Metal Tumbling and Deburring
Our deburring machines for metal fabrication processes reduce production costs, smooth our products, and increase customer satisfaction by providing the highest quality products.
Metal parts produced through cutting processes sometimes have rough edges, resulting in raised burrs. These more prominent edges can often be dangerous and even cause injuries if handled carelessly. One way to eliminate these hazardous burrs is by using a deburring. We have invested in deburring machines for metal fabrication processes. These machines reduce production costs, smooth our products, and increase customer satisfaction by providing the highest quality products.
In the barrel tumbling process, parts are submerged in a vibrating compound that helps soften loose material and remove scratches caused by machining. It is one of the most common processes used to deburr parts with heavy radiuses.
Vibratory Deburring is used when the parts need to be vibrated at a high frequency but don’t need to be spun. High compressive forces expel contaminants from the surface of parts, creating a smooth and shiny finish. Unlike barrel tumblers that regurgitate the same load several times, vibratory tumblers apply a force 5 to 10 times greater than a standard barrel tumbler, enabling them to complete the deburring process in a single pulse. This method is especially ideal for fragile parts because fewer unequal forces are used against the pieces.
Deburring can be done with various materials, including rice and glass beads. However, ceramic, plastic, steel, and organic compounds are the standard media materials.
Ceramic deburring media is used to polish and remove burrs on metal parts because it is effective, long-lasting, and inexpensive. Ceramic deburring media can polish many small parts at once and quickly removes burrs from metal parts – burrs that could otherwise cause damage. Ceramic deburring media is also great for treating large amounts of pieces while still yielding excellent results that are more cost-effective than other forms of media.
When working with softer metals like aluminum, zinc, and brass, you should use plastic to ensure your parts are deburred, de-flashed and burnished. Proper media selection is crucial for optimum results in your ferrous and nonferrous applications. High-Density, for example, is used on hard metals such as steel because high-density plastic media removes a lot of metal quickly, which ultimately means less time spent deburring. However, it would not be ideal for a soft metal like aluminum as it would be considered too harsh. Steel is also a fantastic option for use when deburring steel, as the steel on steel action works wonders in cleaning and burnishing steel.
Organic media is comprised of organic matter such as walnut shells and corn cob granules. While primarily used to dry parts, organic media can also achieve a high-gloss finish on your products and has the added benefit of typically being more cost-effective than other types of tumbling media.
Large metal pieces should use the tumble deburring process and often need to be batched as the larger parts can harm smaller, more delicate pieces. Determining batches is one of the many ways our highly-trained engineers can assist you in choosing the proper method and media to use when deburring your specific element.
We understand that you only want the highest quality parts on your assembly line and your end product. We are confident that our services will exceed your expectations. Contact us today to learn more about our efficient and cost-effective deburring services!
