Ceramic media

Ceramic media is recommended for general purpose polishing, light and heavy deburring, fast and extra fast deburring and ultra aggressive metal removal. Ceramic media is best for heavy cutting and hard metals. When a small media is required (under 3/4"), ceramics offer the best selection. Ceramic media supports very heavy parts better than plastic media.

Durable, inexpensive and highly versatile, ceramic finishing media is the most common media used in mass finishing. It can be manufactured in a wide variety of precise shapes, which assists in separation and elimination of lodging problems. Ceramic finishing media is made of silica and other minerals and abrasives that are combined, formed and fired at a high temperature, producing a very hard, cement-like product. Most ceramic preformed shapes, such as triangles, stars and ellipses, are extruded and cut to the desired length. The density of ceramic preformed shapes is usually determined by the amount of abrasive incorporated into the mix prior to firing - the more abrasive, the higher the density. This is important because the higher the density, the more "aggressive" the ceramic media will be (faster cutting, rougher surface) and the quicker it will wear. Therefore, dense media is only practical where the objectives cannot be achieved any other way or where the reduction in cycle time brings a greater value than the extra cost in media consumption. The type and quantity of abrasive grain can be varied to accomplish particular tasks, depending on the bond selected.

Ceramic Media



Angle Cut Cylinders For an improved finish and reduced cost. It reaches into most crevices and holes 20o Angle Cut Triangles Triangles reach into most areas not accessible to square-cut media.
Pyramids & Tetrahedrons The flat sides provide the best cutting surfaces. They reach into holes and slots where other media would not. Cones Designed to reach into remote areas without lodging so they will easily separate from parts.
Cylindrical Wedges Provides a maximum cutting area and surface finishing by combining the cylinder and wedge into one. 20o Angle Cut Stars They can replace other preformed media for use in a wide variety of parts
20oAngle Cut Ellipse Combines the cutting actions of triangles with the finishing action of cylinders. Reduces lodging problems and is recommended for concave surfaces. Pricing depends upon shape, size and composition of material as well as quantity ordered. Call for your cost or blanket order pricing.


The Compositions:
C For cutting or Burnish SC Suited for materials to H For super fast cutting
Containing a coarse-grained aluminum oxide abrasive, it will provide a burnished finish. be welded, brazed or soldered
Containssilicon carbide abrasive and recommended for use on parts with no aluminum oxide impregnation A tough, fast cutting, long wearing, efficient media containing aluminum oxide grains.108 lbs/ft3, grey
ECH For cutting & fine finishing
A general purpose media containing aluminum oxide grains which leaves a smooth finish. Efficient media compared with the amount of metal removed and media wear. F For light deburring & burnishing
Contains fine sized aluminum oxide and will produce a burnished or polished finish HE For aggressive cutting & large equipment
Perfect for applications requiring outward force or large vibrators. Has an increased durability, minimal fracturing and is fast cutting.
For very fine burnishing
Contains no abrasive and is a long wearing media for burnishing and polishing applications. FB For very fine burnishing
Contains no abrasive and is a long wearing media for burnishing and polishing applications. PZ For burnishing or accelerated chemical deburring
A heavy, high density material that can replace steel media. It decreases the time cycle due to its weight.




Angle Cut
cylinders Angle Cut
Ellipses Pyramids Angle Cut
Stars Cones Angle Cut
Triangles Wedges/
Tri-cylinders





FINISHING
FINISHING AND DEBURRING MEDIA







In today’s market position, mass finishing is the means of getting high quality volume production without which it will be highly difficult to stand in today’s competitive market. Aum Techno Ceramic has reviewed the situation and has developed mass finishing polishing and deburring media of international standard to cater to the demand of today’s sophisticated market. The products are in different qualities to suit different applications. The most widely used media is abrasive ceramic media for removal of burs.










Ceramic Media for Vibratory Deburring

Ceramic Media for Vibratory Deburring

Product Description
Ceramic media are made of high quality of abrasives, vitrified bonded at high temperature. Ceramic medias are Widely used in grinding, polishing, finishing of the surfaces of metal parts with irregular or regular surfaces for better finish, and also widely used for chamfering deburring, scaling oxide, removing rusty stain as a mass-production method.

Ceramic medias find wide applications in machinery, bearing, electronic, hard-metals, camera, watch, bicycle, sew-machine, jewelery as well as arts and crafts industries.

Cearmic medais are available in heavy cutting, medium cutting and light cutting. Available shapes including Ball, Triangle, angle-cut triangle, Cylinder, angle-cut triangle, Triangle cylinder, Ellipse, angle-cut, ellipse, Cone, Pyramids, Star, angle-cut star, Cubic, Rhombus, Arrow.

Ball
1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 15.0, 18.0, 20.0, 25.0, 30.0, 35.0
Triangle & Angle Cut triangle
2x2, 3x3, 4x4, 5x5, 6x6, 8x8, 10x10, 12x12, 15x15, 18x18, 20x20, 25x25
Triangle Cylinder
16x16, 12x12, 19x19, 25x25, 50x50.
Cylinder & Angle Cut Cylinder
1.5x3.0, 2.0x4.0, 3.0x6.0, 4.0x8.0, 5.0x10, 6.0x10, 8.0x16, 10x20, 12x25, 15x30, 20x30, 25x35
Ellipse
25x15x25, 20x12x20
Cone
10x10, 15x15, 20x20, 25x25, 23x30, 30x30
Tetrahedron
10, 15, 20
Three-stars
10x10x10, 20x20x20, 25x25x25, 30x30x30
Four-stars
45x22x15, 18x10x9.0, 35x17x11,
Cubic
2x2, 4x4, 6x6, 8x8, 10x10, 15x15, 20x20
Rhombus
15x10x10, 23x16x10, 26x25x18, 46x30x20
Grain
0.4-0.7, 0.6-1.0, 0.8-1.3, 1.2-1.7, 1.4-2.0, 1.7-2.4, 2.0-2.8, 2.3-3.4, 3.0-4.3, 3.4-5.0, 4.0-6.0, 4.7-6.7, Nugget 3-5, 5-8, 8-10, 12-15, 19-25, 25-30.
HS Code: 68042290
Origin: China
Company: Shenzhen Kaite Industry Co., Ltd.




Deburring is the process of removing jagged edges or protrusions from parts, mostly wooden and metal parts. Deburring machines are used to accomplish the process of deburring. Primarily two types of deburring machines are used - tumbling or barrel machines and vibratory machines. Tumblers are used for mass finishing of parts. They can be used for wet as well as dry finishing. These systems are well suited for fast and efficient deburring of plastic and metal parts or components. There are models that are available in different sizes from compact bench models to big barrels that can be fixed on floors. Tumbling systems are very important deburring systems in use. They are typically used where heavy deburring is required. Barrels are ideal for heavy loads. Dry tumbling is used when delicate deburring is called for and produces a smooth finish. Wet barrelling is used for metal processing to remove excess material as well as to provide a polish.
Vibratory deburring machines are also used for mass finishing. They function by shaking or vibrating the processing vessel, which causes the finishing media and parts to scrape against each other thus accomplishing a deburr and producing a polish. These deburing machines are precise and can deburr even recesses in the parts and hence they are very well adapted for delicate and intricate components. They can also be used on large surfaces because they have very short strokes and high speeds. These machines can be automated quite easily compared to tumblers.
Blasting machines are another type of deburring machines in which media is blasted on to parts under high pressure thus creating a finishing action. Blasting machines are used to deburr hard to reach parts and also to clean parts of dust, grime, rust etc. There are also other deburring machines like gyra machines, centrifugal disks and spin finishing machines for specialized usage.
Finishing media are used in finishing systems to aid in the deburring process. Ceramic media is ideal for use with hard metals that need heavy cutting action. They are generally used for polishing and deburring - light, heavy, fast or super fast deburring. For applications that need small sized media, ceramic media is highly recommended. They come in pre formed shapes to suit different purposes. Cones, stars, triangles, cylinders etc are some of the shapes in ceramic media. These shapes ensure easy separation of parts and deburring of hard to reach areas. Ceramic media are long lasting and inexpensive. As they can be used for multiple requirements, they are the most commonly used in the mass finishing industry.
Ceramic media are made as a combination of silica, minerals and abrasive materials and are manufactured at very high temperatures thus producing hard ceramic media which are then cut to the desired length. The rougher deburring applications call for a ceramic media that has more density. By using more abrasive in the manufacturing, high density can be achieved. But high density means faster wear and tear; so they are used only rarely.
Grav Co LLC continues to manufacture the finest deburring machines and supplies in the marketplace. We still build vibratory finishing, disc finishing, high speed and low speed barrel finishing, and spin finishing equipment in our Sturgis, Michigan plants. We also manufacture vibratory finishing media, treated cob meal and various liquid and powder compounds, and have a very good line of ceramic media.





Finishing media may be defined as the material used to perform work on the surface of parts being processed. Media include abrasive and nonabrasive types, both in natural and synthetic forms. Media has evolved from crushed and graded rock to synthetic rock, performed ceramic-bound abrasives, performed resin bound abrasives, steel and other materials. Dimensionally uniform with predictable wear, engineering quality media “cutting tools” are available in a great variety of useful shapes, sizes and surface finish or cutting capabilities.
The primary function of media is to cut. Media that cuts will remove burrs and smooth surfaces. As a carrier of abrasive grain…Large media causes a greater increase of impact force on the part to be cut, while smaller media results in a tighter mass and a smoother surface. For optimal efficiency, select the largest media possible for the size of the media to be used such as the 70% rule, which states, “The media should only be 70% the size of the hole in the part it is going to deburr.” Caution should always be taken to make sure the media selected will not lodge in the parts during the process.






Ceramic Media Formulations
Great for deburring, descaling and cleaning
Royson FC Aggressive cutting tumbling media. Performs well on all metals. Low micro-inch finishes obtainable, especially on ferrous alloys.
Royson MC A medium cut for most applications. Along with quick deburring, good finish and color obtainable.
Royson MFC Extremely tight bond with fine abrasive permits good cut with long tumbling media life. Good finishes and color are achieved.
Royson LC A light cut and burnish material. Long life, good color.
Royson DF A high density tumbling media that has extremely high fracture resistance and is fast cutting.
Royson P A porcelain body with no abrasive present. Use for improving color and light burnishing.
Royson SC A medium cut silicon carbide tumbling media. Ideal for material to be brazed, welded or soldered.

Plastic Media Formulations
Great for pre-plate finishing, cleaning, and smoothing surfaces
Fine Cut R-06 This light cutting, very long lasting media consisting of fine abrasive flours. Leaves an extremely low R.M S. finish. Its light cutting ability is excellent for obtaining light color and mild deburring.
Standard Cut R-07 This moderate cutting, long lasting plastic media consisting of quartz abrasive leaves a low R.M.S. finish. Its cutting ability is excellent for deburring and surface removal of all metals when a light color and good finish are required.
Fast Cut R-08 This fast cutting, moderate wearing media consisting of aluminum oxide leaves a fairly low R.M.S. finish. Its fast cutting ability is excellent for deburring and surface removal of all metals when a light color and fair finish are required.









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Dry Powdered Compounds
Great for cleaning, polishing, and descaling
Royson Product No. Description pH
26 Fine grain aluminum oxide abrasive with alkaline base. Excellent for micro-inch finishing. 9.0
51 High quality burnishing compound. Concentrated powder formulation produces exceptional color and luster on all metals. 9.1
71 Inhibited acid powder formulation recommended for use in removing scale and rust from ferrous metal parts. 1.5
78 A dry, granular, highly alkaline mixture incorporating synthetic wetting agents and organic chemicals that will dissolve rust from iron and steel parts. 13.0
79 A phosphate-free concentrated alkaline powder formulated for use in removing oily residues in vibratory equipment. 11.0


Liquid Compounds
Great for cleaning, polishing, and descaling
Royson Product No. Description pH
13 An excellent cleaner that provides excellent prepaint or preplate conditions on aluminum or other non-ferrous metals. An excellent choice for maintaining clean cutting surfaces on ceramic media. 4.0
53-NF Concentrated liquid all-purpose detergent for use on all metals. Excellent for flo-through processes in vibratory equipment. 9.5
53-F Concentrated liquid all-purpose detergent for use on ferrous metals. Excellent for flo-through processes in vibratory equipment. 11.3
55 Mildly acidic brightening compound for use on nonferrous metals. Excellent for steel ball burnishing in vibratory equipment. 5.0
60 Nitrate free liquid which readily mixes with water to make a tansparent solution. Recommended for use in flo-through systems in vibratory equipment. Excellent rust inhibitor. Can be used for dip applications. 9.4
80 A liquid acid descaling compound designed for removal of tough and heavy scale on ferrous metals. 2.0
90 A concentrated phosphate-free liquid which provides a powerful cleaning action. Primarily used for steel parts cleaning. 13.85

Vibratory Media, Compounds and Equipment...
are our areas of expertise at Vibra Finish Company. We specialize in the manufacture of ceramic, plastic, synthetic and precision media and compounds for the mass finishing industry; including:

• Deburring
• Polishing
• Cleaning • Pre-Plate
• Pre-Anodized
• Pre-Paint • Edge Break
• Radius
• Inhibition

We distribute VibraHone™ high energy, high amplitude vibratory and centrifugal barrel tumbling and mass finishing equipment.


Mass Finishing
Process Laboratory

• Improve Part Production & Operation
• Achieve Maximum Efficiency
• Lab Service Available at No Charge Vibratory Tumbling
Media

• Ceramic
• Plastic
• Synthetic
• Precision
• Special Vibratory Tumbling
Equipment

• FCV series
• FSV series
• CB series Vibratory Tumbling
Compounds

• General Purpose
• Heavy Duty
• Burnishing
• Rust Inhibiting



Tumbling Media (In Stock)
Ceramic Media / Plastic Media / Compounds
Click here for more shapes and sizes!
If you do not see the media you are looking for from our IN STOCK media selection please view our extensive list of ceramic, plastic, synthetic, porcelain and small precision media. All of this media is readily available and will usually ship within two days. There will be a $5.00 a box handling fee for this media only if it is shipped UPS. There is NO SALES tax on any sale out side the state of California. Quantities of up to 250# is most economically shipped by UPS. Anything over 250# will be cheaper to ship via truck. We have very attractive shipping discounts with many freight lines. If you are in the eastern half of the US we can drop ship any of this media from Cincinnati, Oh and save you money on shipping. Don't forget to ask for special pricing for quantities over 500#.
Media Type & Formulation Descriptions
________________________________________
Ceramic Media for Steel and Stainless Steel
Formulations: (P) polishing, (M) general purpose, (SF) super fast, good cutting and good life,
(DF) dense fast-cut, very aggressive.

22 Degree Angle Cut Tri-Stars(ACTS)
Packaged in 50 pounds
A B Formulation
5/8" 3/8" SF and M

7/8" 3/8" SF and DF

1 1/8" 3/8" SF and DF




22 Degree Angle Cut Triangles(ACT)
Packaged in 50 pounds
A B Formulation
3/8" 3/8" SF and M

1/4" 3/16" SF




Angle Cut Cylinders(ACC)
Packaged in 50 pounds
A B Formulation
5/8" 1 1/8" M 45 Degree

3/8" 5/8" P and SF 22 Degree
3/16" 3/8" P and SF 22 Degree





Cones
Packaged in 50 pounds
A B Formulation
1/2" 5/8" SF

3/4" 7/8" SF




FOR HELP OR TO PLACE AN ORDER CALL 800 827-1333
________________________________________
Plastic Media for Aluminum and Soft Metals
Formulation: (X) general purpose, used on aluminum.

Wedges
Packaged in 50 pounds
A B Formulation
1" 3/4" X

1 1/2" 1" X




Triangles
Packaged in 50 pounds
A B C Formulation
5/8" 1/2" 3/8" X




Cones
Packaged in 50 pounds
A B Formulation
1/2" 9/16" X

3/8" 3/8" X




Pyramids
Packaged in 50 pounds
A B C Formulation
1/4" 1/4" 1/4" X




FOR HELP OR TO PLACE AN ORDER CALL 800 827-1333
________________________________________
Compounds

VF-77T General Purpose Cleaner For Aluminum
VF-77T 5 Gallon Container
VF-77T 55 Gallon Drum
A unique blend of quality raw materials that has proven to be an excellent compound for controlling the white foam residue that plagues most users of plastic or UF resin bonded media. VF-77T works equally well on all metal and plastics. Designed primarily for aluminum alloys. A rust inhibitor may need to be added when used with steel.

VF-100 Heavy Duty Cleaner For Steel
VF-100 5 Gallon Container
VF-100 55 Gallon Drum
Excellent cleaner for heavier oils, work equally well on ceramic or plastic media. Blended with inhibitors to help control the rusting problem on ferrous metal. Designed primarily for steel applications.

VF-150 Burnishing Compound
VF-150 5 Gallon Container
VF-150 55 Gallon Drum
An acid base compound blended from quality raw materials including inhibitors to prevent rusting of steel media. VF-150 is a proven compound for operating flo-thru on batch type burnishing systems. It produces bright finishes on zinc, brass, copper, steel, stainless steel, and various exotic materials. Ok for some aluminum alloys.

VF-RI-8B Rust Inhibitor
VF-RI-8B 5 Gallon Container
Excellent for steel media, dipping parts or when you need additional inhibitor in your compounds.




Home »
Vibratory Tumblers



Tub-style floor model vibratory tumbler. DB vibratory finishing machines are ideal for shorter cycle times and those new to using a vibratory finishing equipment. Two different sizes, used for vibratory deburring, finishing and polishing operations.



Heavy-duty, high-efficiency, uniquely designed tub-style systems. Highly durable construction with standard sizes ranging up to 20 cubic feet. Custom sizes upon request.



Mini vibratory finishing bowls are ideal for sensitive or small parts often damaged in larger machines. Bench and floor models available.



Floor model, large vibratory finishing bowls, ranging in size from 3-20 cubic feet.


Vibratory tumble finishing systems produce a cutting action by shaking the processing vessel (the finishing tub) at a high speed, causing the tumbling media and parts to scrub against each other. This scrubbing action precisely abrades the parts to remove burrs. A shaft with rotating eccentric weights mounted on the tub produces the shaking action.

Vibratory deburring machines and finishing systems produce a cutting action that is very thorough. They remove material from pockets and recesses and inside bores, which cannot be done in a barrel tumbler, so they can be used for very delicate or intricate parts. With high speeds and a short stroke, they can also run large bulky parts without damage. Large wing spans and landing struts are routinely run in these systems. Vibratory finishing systems also lend themselves to be automated easily. They can be fully automated for a flow-through operation or used as a basic batch operation. The action is that of a small orbit at a high speed and thus is very powerful, yet causes little stress on the parts.


Vohras International
CERAMIC MEDIA
Ceramic media in triangular, cylindrical, eliptical, cone, star, granules in various sizes & shapes as well plastic media, stainless steel media, magnetic media, chemicals
- TRIANGULAR (mm)
- 5 x 5; 10 x 10; 15 x 15; 20 x 20;
25 x 25; 30 x 30; 40 x 40

- CYLINDRICAL (mm)
- 4 x 10; 10 x 10; 10 x 15;
10 x 20; 20 x 30

- ELIPTICAL (mm)
- 10 x 5 x 10; 15 x 8 x 15;
20 x 8 x 20

- PYRAMID / CONE (mm)
- 10 x 10; 15 x 15
20 x 20; 25 x 25

- STAR / TRISTAR (mm)
- 15 x 8 x 15; 27 x 10 x 8;
30 x 10 x 10

- GRANULE (mm)
- 1 to 3; 3 to 5; 5 to 8
30 x 10 x 10

Any special sizes can be offered.



Finishing Machines





Ceramic Deburring Media

22 Degree Angle Cut Cylinder Media
45 Degree Angle Cut Cylinder Media
60 Degree Angle Cut Cylinder Media
Cone Media
Cylindrical Wedge Media
22 Degree Angle Cut Triangle Media
Straight Cut Triangle Media
22 Degree Angle Cut Tri Star Media



Contact us for FREE sample processing.

Visit us at www.RhodesMktg.com to see our selection of new and used deburring machines. Synthetic (Plastic) Media
Wedge Media
Tetrahedron Media
Cone Pyramid Media
Triangle Media
Cylindrical Wedge Media
Tri Star Media
Coniform Media
Tetraform Media



Deburring Media Mart & Rhodes Mktg
(818) 885-6994 (voice) / (818) 885-0394 (fax)
18229 Acre Street, Northridge, CA. 91325
RhodesMktg@msn.com






There are many parameters to be taken into consideration when utilizing mass finishing processes. These considerations include: part composition, size and shape, media type and compound chemistry, equipment type, workload (batch or continuous), finish requirement, etc. A typical mass-finishing operation has many elements, and each one must be evaluated to determine what is best for a single or series of applications as well as overall budget considerations. Mass finishing is most often used to burnish, clean, color, deburr, deflash, degrease, descale, radius, refine, dry, and offer pre-plate or pre-paint finishes of parts, amongst other various process applications.
The Cutting Edge:
In addition to addressing the overall objective of the part, proper media and compound selection requires analysis of a part's composition and configuration. A part's shape can impede or restrict normal media contact during a mass-finishing operation. One must consider recessed areas and odd-shaped parts when selecting media and processing equipment. Media will need to be shaped so that there is as much surface contact as possible between media and parts. This is critical where parts have hard-to-reach areas. Media size also impacts the degree of cut or finish. Large media removes more metal because of the increased force it imposes and the amount of time it "drives" over the surface of a part. Keep in mind, however, that damage may result from impingement and denting. Careful control helps avoid this. Conversely, smaller media will produce smoother finishes, resulting from the reduced cutting action. When sizing media to an individual part, screening is also a necessary consideration, as parts must be able to separate themselves effectively from media during unload operations.
Media composition is the most difficult finishing decision because of the variables involved. The choice of abrasive type and grade is based on the work objectives, such as burnishing, light deburring, general purpose, or fast cutting. The quality of media varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and can usually best be judged by attrition rate comparisons of usage. Popular media selections are as follows:
1. Ceramic media. Ceramic compositions are virtually all abrasive, hard and are more abrasive than equivalent resin-bonded media because of the density comparison. The combination of an ultra-tough surface area and rigidity exposes a constant abrading surface and an aggressive cutting action. Available in a number of compositions, ceramic media can be used in a variety of delicate or aggressive applications, including burnishing, radiusing, polishing, rapid cut down, deflashing and deburring.
2. Resin-bonded media produces softer surface finishing action and provides a uniform finish. The media is best for parts requiring more restricted edge and corner radiusing. Resin-bonded media is manufactured in lower densities than ceramic media. The media smoothes parts but does not impart a high luster. Resin bonded media are very effective in pre-plate and pre-paint type applications.
3. Steel media offers two distinct benefits. Steel media is the most effective means to a highly burnished surface. Generally used in the diecast industry to offer highly reflective surfaces, steel media is now used in a variety of applications such as the stamping industry to provide a part free from sharp edges. Because of its density (approx 275 lbs/cu'), it is also an excellent "peening" material which offers a deburred part free of sharp edges as required in subsequent handling operations. The steel media does not contain abrasive, therefore, does not deburr (it will remove loose burrs) a part, but rather pounds (or peens) the surface of the material thereby eliminating sharp edges.
4. Aluminum Star media is designed to penetrate areas with corners and blind holes not reachable by other medias without the potential of lodging of other styles of medias. Initially designed specifically for flash removal in the diecast industry, the mill star is now used in a variety of light burnishing and deburring applications because of its added versatility. Added benefits of the aluminum and steel media include the elimination of heavy sludge created by the breakdown of the ceramic and plastic medias. Because of the natural abrasive qualities that cast aluminum renders, a cutting ability between a light cutting ceramic media and a non-abrasive media can be expected, offering a semi-burnished finish.

5. Aluminum oxide and silicon carbide abrasive media. The ideal aluminum oxide mass-finishing abrasive is dense and tough. Sintered bauxite has these attributes. Harder than steel, this ceramic media is used to color hardened steel, other ferrous metals, exotic metals, brass and aluminum. A pre-formed version enhances luster on a stainless steel and exotic non-ferrous materials. Shape and closely controlled sizing also eliminate lodging in recessed areas. Fused aluminum oxide abrasive is a dense, solid structure with fine crystal size and carefully controlled chemistry. Pre-formed aluminum oxide media is random-shaped, free and fast-cutting media provided in graded sizes for applications from burr removal to final surface finishing.
Unlike aluminum oxide, silicon carbide does not impregnate soft ductile metals. Therefore, this media is best for parts that will be welded or braised, for bearing surfaces and parts that will be machined after deburring. It is more friable than aluminum oxide and fractures more readily in contact with work pieces under heavy loads. Diamond, cubic boron nitride and boron carbide are the only media abrasived harder and sharper than silicon carbide. Silicon carbide is especially effective with non-ferrous metals such as brass, copper and aluminum. It is preferred for finishing hard, brittle parts like cemented carbides, ceramics, granite, marble, glass, cast iron and low-tensile-strength, ductile non-ferrous materials.
Although a great amount of emphasis is generally placed on proper media selection, just as critical is the type of compound (soap) selected. There are a number of styles (i.e. powder, liquid) and types of solutions available all directly related to the end requirement of each individual part and the process and equipment it is being finished in. The main role of compounds in addition to providing a desired end result (i.e. burnishing, deburring etc.) for a part, is to keep the parts and media clean, by suspending soils and not allowing them to be redeposited. By doing so, this provides the desired part finish and at the same time, keeps media from becoming contaminated and losing its effectiveness. Compounds can also reduce corrosion and prevent tarnishing, effectively protecting parts during the entire surface finish operation.
The Finish Line:
Mass finishing regulates the degree of surface profile on a part. It is measured in terms of the average micro-inch distance from the surface's peaks to its valleys. The degree of surface texture is expressed as RMS (root mean square) or Ra (roughness average) of these surface variations. A higher micro-finish translates into a rougher surface and, conversely, a lower number equates to a smoother surface.
Burnishing a part's surface involves smoothing the surface peaks into the valleys, producing a highly reflective finish. The operation uses non-abrasive media, such as sintered bauxite or metal media and a viscous lubricating compound (most likely with an acidic base). Certain general concepts about burnishing include: 1) Dense (i.e. - steel) media is preferred; 2) Smaller sized media offer higher luster; 3) Media previously broken in and free of sharp edges or corners is required; and 4) Acidic (usually citric) based compounds generally offer the brightest surface possible as well.
Coloring is another phase of finishing that shows the degree of light reflectivity or light distortion of a part's surface. The operation exposes the ultimate color potential, polish or brightness of a part's surface.
Deburring and Deflashing removes undesirable protrusions and sharp edges generated from previous manufacturing operations such as grinding or diecast operations. There are generally three types of deburring operations in mass finishing:
1. Light deburring, which removes small brittle burrs produced from grinding operations or flash resulting from diecasting or other molding operations. When utilizing a long wearing ceramic or plastic media, these appendages are broken free from the part and the exposed edges are smoothened. Steel media is also an excellent means to provide a light flash removal as well as provide a part free from sharp edges for subsequent handling ops.
2. Heavy burr removal or heavy cleaning uses a fast-cutting media to remove large, thick burrs caused by sawing, milling, drilling, turning and other similar operations.
3. Radiusing rounds sharp edges or corners using a variety of medias ranging in composition dependent upon the requirement of the individual part.
Degreasing and Descaling are a function of both media type and probably more critically a function of the correct compound (soap) selection. Compounds are selected for a variety of reason including their ability to handle specific soil types, to provide inhibiting qualities, specific de-scaling or de-rusting capabilities as well as for a ferrous or non-ferrous process application.
A Means to an End:
Choosing the proper parts processing equipment is the final step in a successful implementation of a finishing process. With a wide variety of choices of mass-finishing equipment available, virtually any part can be accomplished in this type of equipment.
Mass finishing equipment can be divided into four major categories: 1) Barrel Tumblers; 2) Vibratory finishers; 3) High Energy Centrifugal Finishers; and 4) Drag Finishing machines. The size and operating intensity are major considerations when selecting media.
Tumbling Barrels are the oldest and simplest form of mass finishing and are seldom used in manufacturing environments. These units impart the least amount of action and typically produce longer cycle times than any of the other styles of equipment. Most effective in a part on part, or part on media environment, the barrels are manually loaded with parts (and media) at which time water and compound is added. These units (mostly horizontal in design, octagonal in shape) provide a sliding type action. As the barrel rotates, the parts and media rotate along the outside diameter of the wall. At the transition point (or top of the roll), the force of gravity exceeds the centrifugal force exerted on the parts and thus the mass begins to slide down to the base of the barrel. This action is repeated continuously while the barrel is rotating.
Vibratory Finishers are the most common style of mass finishing equipment available. These units consist of the more popular circular bowl style units as well as tub style finisher. Circular vibratory bowls are popular where frequent media changes are not required. Processes can be very simple or can be designed to be fully automated where little or no operator interference is necessary.
Centrifugal Disc and Centrifugal Barrels are the higher energy form of mass finishing. Generally, 10-20 times faster than standard vibratory finishing, these units provide faster throughput in processes where it is required.
Drag Finishing is a very unique process in that parts are fixtured and "dragged" through a stationary bed of media at a high rate of speed. These parts are generally have many contours and are difficult to finish in manual operations and are adverse to part on part contact.
Although there are many factors to consider in mass finishing, these factors can generally be broken down into four major areas: Equipment, Media, Compound and Workload. In every instance, it is the part, which dictates the process, or determines if there even is a viable mass finishing solution. Please feel free to contact us and let us help you determine if mass finishing is the proper solution for your parts requirements.
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FOUR FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN MASS FINISHING
1) TYPES OF EQUIPMENT
A. Barrel Tumbling
B. Vibratory Finishing
C. High Energy Centrifugal
D. Drag Finishing
2) MEDIA
A. Ceramic
B. Resin bonded (Plastic)
C. Steel
D. Aluminum
E. Aluminum Oxide or Silicon Carbide
3) COMPOUNDS
A. Type
B. Concentration
4. WORKLOAD
A. Ratio - Volume (i.e. - parts to media)
B. Finish requirements
C. Type of Material (i.e. - stainless, mild steel, brass, aluminum, plastic, etc.)
D. Part Configuration
E. Continuous or Batch
Deburring Machines, Media & Tools

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Rhodes Marketing, A Friend to the Finish!
Rhodes Mktg wants to be your source for deburring and metal finishing equipment and supplies. We offer a wide variety of deburring machines, media, tools and even used deburring equipment.
Deburring Machines & Metal Finishing Systems
Our deburring machines and metal finishing systems include vibratory machines & tumblers, centrifugal finishing machines, wastewater treatment systems, and water dosing. Whether your needs are for automotive, aircraft, aerospace, medical, sporting, hardware, jewelry, or musical instruments, we have a solution for you!
Deburring Media & Tools
Because we offer a wide variety of deburring media in thousands of sizes, shapes and formulations, we're more likely to have the media that would work best for your application. Both our synthetic (plastic) and ceramic media are designed to cut faster and wear longer.
We carry the following deburring tools: manual separation screens, plastic rim riddles and a bouncer utility scoop.
Used Deburring Equipment
Rhodes has a large inventory of used deburring equipment, all in good condition. We can supply parts for and reline most manufacturers machines.