#Vibratory Tub Finishing Machine

[metal-finishing-detroit]

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY METAL FINISHING DETROIT

Industries around the United States rely on metal finishing applications to bring their products and hardware up to spec. Smooth, clean and functional parts are necessary for every manufacturing application. Achieving this goal starts at the top of the industrial manufacturing chain, and the final customer gets to reap the benefits. Automotive industry metal finishing Detroit happens to be one of the main areas of the country, that is why it is known as the “Motor City.”

If your industry specializes in complex machinery with intricate parts, you have the important task of getting each component ready for the assembly line. This is especially true in the automotive industry where every piece of a vehicle needs to function at a high level. With metal finishing for automotive, it is possible to prepare every part when you team up with the correct metal finishing in Detroit company like Automotive Tumbling.

AUTOMOTIVE METAL FINISHING

Automotive metal finishing is an essential part of the car manufacturing process. End customers only experience the finished vehicle. A large amount of future owners may not realize the technicality and attention that goes into every piece. It’s only with this attention to detail that you can create a functioning automobile. What is automotive metal finishing? Today’s auto industry has a high standard to meet. Consider if the pieces you manufacture for automobiles were covered in burrs, nicks, scratches or dirt. These items could break down, stall and cause all sorts of problems. In some instances, they might not even fit into their intended locations during assembly. The slightest imperfections can affect entire machines, especially with high-performance vehicles. You have a responsibility to produce items that lead to the best results possible.

You can achieve this goal with Automotive industry metal finishing Detroit. When you deal with items on a large scale, polishing and cleaning each piece you produce to get rid of burrs and grime may be out of the question. Such a task would take a lot of time, money and manpower.

Automotive metal finishing helps you get this job done on a large scale. With state-of-the-art metal finishing systems and quality services provided by Automotive Tumbling, you can ensure the automotive pieces you produce are smooth and clean. And you can finish many of them at the same time, no need for extra manpower. You can bring every piece up to spec with automotive mass finishing.

WHAT FINISHING SYSTEMS ARE USED IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY?

The automotive industry relies on two main categories of finishing systems — surface finishing and refinement systems and parts washing and precision cleaning systems. The following will give some information on their differences:

SURFACE FINISHING AND REFINEMENT

Surface finishing and refinement will help smooth out burrs and imperfections from your automobile parts. Here are a few of the services you can have completed below.

Round bowl vibratory machines: Round bowl vibratory machines process large numbers of parts at the same time to create safe edges and smooth surfaces. The system uses kinetic energy to move items around the bowl, vibrating pieces against each other. This achieves a smooth, assembly-line-ready finish. These machines are adjustable to achieve the exact level of action you need for the pieces you’re finishing.

Tub-style deburring machines: Tub-style deburring machines use kinetic energy to roll a mass of items in a singular motion in a recessed, four-sided tub. These machines come in many sizes to accommodate your specific production needs. Tub-style deburring machines are a bit aggressive, so make sure your items can handle item-on-item contact.

Centrifugal high-energy systems: Centrifugal barrel finishing systems contain a turret and four high-speed, rotating turrets. They can exceed 300 revolutions per minute (RPM). The system uses this force to push automotive pieces to the periphery of the barrels. The barrels spin in the opposite direction of the turret, causing the items within to move against the inside of the barrels. This produces a smoothing effect. These systems do not tumble the pieces inside, limiting part-on-part contact.

BENEFITS OF MASS FINISHING FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Your automotive parts business can enjoy several benefits when you decide to have Detroit metal finishing services completed by Automotive Tumbling. Here are a few ways our proven methods can enhance your business:

Increase productivity: You can spend less time washing items by hand and more time on other aspects of your business.

Your customers will enjoy fewer assembly line stalls: Stopping the assembly line because of dirty or unfinished parts can bring the entire automotive process to a halt. With mass finishing systems, you’ll know you’re sending your clients parts that will keep their assembly lines moving.

Save money: Your clients may enjoy increased productivity when they receive your finished items. This can help them save money on labor and from discarding faulty parts. Creating high-quality finished products can also save money for the end-user. They’ll enjoy a functioning vehicle that needs fewer repairs because the parts inside are up to spec.

ONE SOURCE SOLUTIONS FOR ALL AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY METAL FINISHING DETROIT

For over 70 years, we’ve worked to exceed expectations. It’s this commitment to excellence that makes Automotive Tumbling the best metal finishing service in Michigan. We’ve worked with companies throughout Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. As well as companies located across the US along with speciality projecets throughout the world.

[barrelishings]

If your office is in need of a Vibratory Tub Finishing Machine Factory

If your office is in need of a Vibratory Tub Finishing Machine Factory

strip-cut shredder, one device that is worth a look is the Intimus 502.

Here are its strengths and weaknesses. Check them out to see if this is

the machine your office needs.

If your office is in need of a large-capacity

strip-cut shredder, one device that's worth a look is the Intimus 502.

Here are its strengths and weaknesses. Check them out to see if this is

the machine your office needs.

Strengths:

The 502 has a very wide throat – also known as a feed

opening – that can accommodate different sizes of documents. The feed

opening is 10.25 inches wide so shredding letter-sized paper (8.5” x

11”) won't be a problem. You'll also be able to shred legal-sized paper

(8.5” x 14”) and other larger items. When you place your paper in the

device, it will begin shredding immediately.This paper

shredder is a strip-cut device which means it can turn paper into a

bunch of spaghetti-like strips. The strips will be 0.25” wide, so it

will be very difficult for anyone to retrieve information off of them.If you happen to leave any staples or paper clips in your

documents, it's not something to be concerned about. The 502's cutting

mechanism is powerful enough to chew up any fasteners that may be left

in your documents.One of the best things about the 502 is

its incredible shredding capacity. It has the ability to shred 27 to 33

sheets of paper per pass, so if you need to shred a lot, it won't take

very much time. In fact, this device can shred a whopping 30 feet of

material per minute. Plus, this machine has a continuous-duty motor so

you can use it constantly without needing to let it cool off.The

502 has a waste bin that has a volume of 3 cubic feet. It will take a

while for the bin to get full, so you won't need to be emptying it

constantly.Quiet operation is the name of the game with this

device. It runs so quietly that you and your colleagues will be able to

concentrate on your jobs without being distracted.It's easy

to tell what this machine's status is. The device has indicators to let

you let you know if the bin needs to be emptied, if there's a paper

jam, and if the door to the waste bin cabinet is open. Then you'll be

able to fix the problem and go right back to shredding.

Weaknesses:

This is a shredder that was designed for multiple users

and its dimensions reflect that. It measures 19 1/4” (width) x 15”

(depth) x 34 1/4” (height), so it will need to be placed in a common

area, such as near a photocopier. It's simply too large to be placed

under a desk.The 502 is pretty heavy because it weighs 102

pounds. It lacks casters, so you may want to use a dolly if it ever

needs to be moved.While this machine can destroy document

fasteners, it cannot shred multimedia items such as CD's and floppy

disks.

Overall, the Intimus 502 would be a wise choice

for companies needing a large-capacity strip-cut shredder. It has a

large enough feed opening to accommodate most commonly sized documents

and you can even leave in your paper clips and staples. It's great for

shared worked areas and it will help you and your colleagues destroy a

lot of documents quickly. If all this sounds great to you, consider

getting the Intimus 502 today.

[grindingmediasuppliers]

Tumble Finishing vs. Vibratory Finishing - ARE YOU USING THE RIGHT FINISHING SYSTEM?

In the metallurgical industry, the term "mass extinction" refers to the ability to effectively eliminate the cost of large parts at a time. Mass removal is often used to pressure, burn and rust and remove scales, as well as to polish and polish surface and component surfaces.

The most common types of mass extermination are confusion. Also known as barrel fining.

What is a murmur?

The process of eliminating disturbances or barrels provides a process comparable to rocky cliffs under steep hills. These parts are placed in a barrel with water, abrasive media and a suitable mixing agent. The rotation of the barrel causes the mass of the media and the parts to penetrate, causing friction, thus reducing the mass. This creates a cutting process that results in rapid and efficient deposition of the surface of the part.

While fault barrels are usually batch type processing machines, single pass processing and inline batch processing equipment are also available.

What is Webberry Finishing?

A vibration removal process involves placing parts, media, and compounds in a vibration tub or bowl. Vibration processes change the media and parts and cause grinding and grinding against each other.

Vibration removal can be used for pressure and other mass removal applications such as polishing, cleaning, decoration and surface preparation. Vibration equipment is usually made of batch tubs, round bowls, or throw-feed machines, resulting in a flawed and burning process that is invasive by hand.

Competition and contract of two major types of preparation

In general, vibrate finishing is a more popular option than most vibrating barrel finishes for large-scale applications. The main reason for this is that rotary removal is more compatible with automation, which can save time and reduce labor costs. It is also generally a better option for eliminating very large or delicate parts and is well suited for tight endurance projects.

In addition, vibration eliminates smooth function without wearing excessive surface wear, which increases durability and enhances the age of the part.

On the other hand, vibration finishing equipment and systems are much more complex than barrel fining systems, making it costly to buy, own and operate. Barrel systems, however, take longer to complete the final work, though they wear significantly less wear on the abrasive media, which is another cost-saving benefit.

One disadvantage of the barrel tumbling system is that its parts fall on each other instead of rubbing gently, which increases the risk of surface roughness.

Trust the experience in the final systems for your large-scale financing needs

The Finishing System is a full service mass finishing shop that specializes in vibration removal. We also offer the latest state-of-the-art vibration finishing equipment for sale in your closing process. You can count on our expertise to help you choose the best lumbering or vibration removal system for your application. Contact us for more information about the widespread supplies we offer or services available at home.

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[smedave]

ABOVE: Isotropic Micro-Finishing Photography by Mark Riley, BV Products

Interview with Dave Davidson, dryfinish@gmail.com, http://about.me/dave.davidson

Vibratory finishing, centrifugal barrel finishing, and turbo-abrasive machining are the three top techniques for finishing gears, improving performance and extending service life.

Isotropic finishing can have a dramatic impact on gear performance and service life, so much so that some racing teams disassemble stock gear sets and components and send them out to be isotropically finished for the performance and extended service life benefits. (Photo courtesy of Mark Riley, BV Products.)

Related Topics (Index Terms):

Deburring

Gear Production

Mass Finishing

Isotropic Finishing

Wear Resistance

Fatigue Failure Resistance

Lubricant Retention

Reduced Operating Temperature

Less Parasitic Friction

(Interview by Ralph Chalmers) Dave Davidson has surface finishing in his DNA. His manufacturing beginnings trace to the 1970s working in a longstanding family business that manufactured wooden shoe pegs used for tumble-polishing small plastic items using steam-era machinery.

To get a leg up on the technology, Mr. Davidson, who remains active as a consultant in the industry, joined the Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ Burr, Edge and Surface Technology Division.  With the help of SME mentors, he developed a line of abrasive and polishing products as well as new mass finishing processes for barrel, vibratory and centrifugal finishing systems. He is a master at problem-solving customer challenges.

 That includes gear-making. Depending on the particular application, Mr. Davidson describes three mass-finishing methodologies for producing surface finishes on gears that contribute to improved performance and extended service life. They are:

Vibratory Finishing—Conventional and predominant, the familiar vibratory bowls or tubs come in small or large sizes and have been around for decades. There is a relatively recent wrinkle in vibratory finishing, chemically assisted vibratory finishing, which uses specially formulated chemical compounds along with non-abrasive media to produce a conversion coating on gears and similar components. This makes it possible to develop level surfaces with micro-finish surface attributes. This technology is especially applicable to automotive gear train systems and engine components such as camshafts and crankshafts and is widely seen among racing teams to acquire performance advantages.

 Centrifugal Barrel Finishing—This high-energy method is a mechanically accelerated means for producing edge contour and isotropic micro-finishes on gears. This method is used by a variety of gear manufacturers and high-performance racing teams to improve the surface finish and endurance of gear sets. It is also capable of producing low micro-inch finishes to improve load-bearing qualities of mating surfaces and to develop beneficial compressive stress and cold-hardening properties useful to highly stressed parts. A sequence of processes (analogous to roughing, finishing and polishing) is often used to develop highly finished surfaces. The high centrifugal forces and speed of this process achieve high-level surface finishes in short cycle times.

One user, Mr. Davidson recalls, pulled racing transmissions after each event for centrifugal finishing, only to find afterward that gear sets were lasting an entire season.

 A note here about isotropic surface finishes for gears. Isotropic finishing, Mr. Davidson says, is a technical term used to distinguish surface finish patterns that are random and non-directional in nature. “This is in contrast to surfaces developed by all common machining and grinding methods, characterized by Gaussian peak-and-valley distributions parallel to each other that manifest a positive skewed surface with surface peaks and asperities predominating the surface profile,” he says.

By this definition, all mass finishing methods could be said to be isotropic in nature. The process outlined above, however, has been optimized to consistently produce gear surface finishes that will improve overall operational performance and extend service life.

 Turbo-Finish or Turbo-Abrasive Machining—This is the next-generation gear-finishing method, according to Mr. Davidson, who advises and assists Turbo Finish Corp. of Barre, Massachusetts, developer of turbo-abrasive machining (TAM). Not wholly machining and not wholly finishing, one of the properties separating TAM from vibratory or centrifugal gear finishing is that it is a dry method using no fluid media. Parts are fixtured on a spindle, similar to a horizontal machining center, and rotated at speeds ranging from 500 to 2,000 rpm, fully enveloped in an abrasive media cloud. Highly refined surfaces can be developed when a secondary operation utilizing dry polishing soft granulates, treated with fine polishing materials occurs as a follow-up to the abrasive deburring, contouring and smoothing operation.

“Once you’ve got abrasive particles impinging the part at that level of force, you’re creating a shot-peening effect without creating shot-peening surfaces,” Mr. Davidson says.

 From an environmental perspective, that TAM produces these effects in a waterless, dry operation is an added advantage. Unlike most of the other mass-finishing methods, TAM produces no wet-waste discharge effluent that requires treatment or remediation.

Admittedly, TAM investment is more on the capital equipment level, but users can create edge contours and other surface finishes very rapidly—with 60- to 120-second cycles in many cases—and machines can accommodate large gears in the 48-inch diameter range that would make vibratory or centrifugal finishing inefficient, if not impossible.

 According to Jim Riley of BV Products, a surface improvement technologies specialist based in Victoria, Australia, the advantage and benefit feature sets most commonly attributed to these types of isotropic finishing are:

Performance Benefits

Reduced friction

Increased part durability

Improved corrosion resistance

Reduced wear

Reduced lubrication requirements and cost

Improved oil retention

Reduced contact and bending fatigue

Improved pitting resistance

Reduced vibration and noise attenuation

Reduced applied torque requirements

Improved surface finish uniformity (part-to-part, feature-to-feature, and lot-to-lot)

High-quality, micro-finished surfaces

Reduced Friction Benefits

Increased fuel economy

Reduced contact fatigue

Increased power density

Lower operating temperature

Extended mean time between maintenance overhauls

Reduced maintenance costs

Eliminated break-in

Extended component life

Reduced metal debris

Reduced part failures

Minimized overheating

Many gears and gear sets in a variety of industries remain subject to fatigue, fracture and wear, Mr. Davidson says. “Such parts can gain substantial improvements in life and performance, from alterations to their overall surface texture. Improvements in overall smoothness, load-bearing ratio, surface profile skewness and isotropicity can, in many instances, improve life and performance and cut operational costs dramatically. Manufacturers that have not subjected their parts to an analysis to determine the potential benefits of this kind of processing may be making parts that are not all that they can be.”

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ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON CENTRIFUGAL ISOTROPIC FINISHING:

Below are some process video footage demonstrations of high-speed centrifugal isotropic finishing.  These automated edge and surface finishing methods are capable of producing very refined low micro-inch surfaces that can improve functional part performance and service life.

    Isotropic Micro-Finishing Part Photography by Mark Riley, BV Products

Centrifugal barrel finishing

Centrifugal barrel finishing (CBF) is a high-energy finishing method, which has come into widespread acceptance in the last 25-30 years. Although not nearly as universal in application as vibratory finishing, a long list of important CBF applications have been developed in the last few decades.

Similar in some respects to barrel finishing, in that a drum-type container is partially filled with media and set in motion to create a sliding action of the contents, CBF is different from other finishing methods in some significant ways. Among these are the high pressures developed in terms of media contact with parts, the unique sliding action induced by rotational and centrifugal forces, and accelerated abrading or finishing action. As is true with other high energy processes, because time cycles are much abbreviated, surface finishes can be developed in minutes, which might tie up conventional equipment for many hours.

Centrifugal Barrel Finishing principles – high-intensity finishing is performed with barrels mounted on the periphery of a turret. The turret rotates providing the bulk of the centrifugal action, the barrels counter-rotate to provide the sliding abrasive action on parts.

The principle behind CBF is relatively straightforward. Opposing barrels or drums are positioned circumferentially on a turret. (Most systems have either two or four barrels mounted on the turret; some manufacturers favor a vertical and others a horizontal orientation for the turret.) As the turret rotates at high speed, the barrels are counterrotated, creating very high G-forces or pressures, as well as considerable media sliding action within the drums. Pressures as high as 50 Gs have been claimed for some equipment. The more standard equipment types range in size from 1 ft3 (30 L) to 10 ft3, although much larger equipment has been built for some applications.

Media used in these types of processes tend to be a great deal smaller than the common sizes chosen for barrel and vibratory processes. The smaller media, in such a high-pressure environment, are capable of performing much more work than would be the case in lower energy equipment. They also enhance access to all areas of the part and contribute to the ability of the equipment to develop very fine finishes. In addition to the ability to produce meaningful surface finish effects rapidly, and to produce fine finishes, CBF has the ability to impart compressive stress into critical parts that require extended metal fatigue resistance. Small and more delicate parts can also be processed with confidence, as the unique sliding action of the process seems to hold parts in position relative to each other, and there is generally little difficulty experienced with part impingement. Dry process media can be used in certain types of equipment and is useful for light deburring, polishing, and producing very refined isotropic super-finishes.

Below: SME Webinar Presentation on Centrifugal Isotropic Finishing by Dave Davidson (SME Tech Advisor) and Jack Clark (Surface Analytics.com)

  Further reading:  Internet resources

(1)  “Isotropic Mass Finishing for Surface Integrity and Part Performance”,  Article From: Products Finishing, Jack Clark, from Surface Analytics, LLC and David Davidson, from SME Deburr/Finish Technical Group, Posted on: 1/1/2015, [Barrel, vibratory, centrifugal and spindle finish can improve part performance and service life.]  http://www.pfonline.com/articles/isotropic-mass-finishing-for-surface-integrity-and-part-performance

(2)  “Turbo-Charged Abrasive Machining Offers Uniformity, Consistency”  Article From: Products Finishing, by: Dr. Michael Massarsky, President from Turbo-Finish Corporation, and David A. Davidson, from SME Deburr/Finish Technical Group.  Posted on: 6/1/2012.  [Method can deburr, produce edge contour effects rapidly]  http://www.pfonline.com/articles/turbo-charged-abrasive-machining-offers-uniformity-consistency

(3)  “Turbo-Abrasive Machining and Finishing”. MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING – Aerospace Supplement, by: Dr. Michael Massarsky, President from Turbo-Finish Corporation, and David A. Davidson, from SME Deburr/Finish Technical Group. [Method first developed for the aerospace industry can improve surface integrity and part performance]  http://www.slideshare.net/dryfinish/turboabrasive-machining-me-aerospace-supplement-reprint

(4)  “The Role of Surface Finish in Improving Part Performnce”, MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING, by Jack Clark, Surface Analytics.com and David A. Davidson, from SME Deburr/Finish Technical Group. http://www.slideshare.net/dryfinish/november-2012-f4-deburring-1-final

(5)  “Free Abrasives Flow for Automated Finishing”, MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING, ,by: Dr. Michael Massarsky, President from Turbo-Finish Corporation, and David A. Davidson, from SME Deburr/Finish Technical Group. [Exciting new methods of surface finishing that go beyond deburring to specific isotropic surface finishes that can increase service life]  http://www.slideshare.net/dryfinish/october-2013-f2-deburring-1

(6) Turbo-Abrasive Machining Demonstration Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYxqCxMIHNo

(7) SME Spokane, WA Factory Floor video, Centrifugal Finishing in the Precision Machine Shop: Demonstration)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUdKjaysTYM

  AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY –  David A. Davidson, [dryfinish@gmail.com]

Mr. Davidson is a deburring/surface finishing specialist and consultant.  He has contributed technical articles to Metal Finishing and other technical and trade publications and is the author of the Mass Finishing section in the current Metal Finishing Guidebook and Directory.  He has also written and lectured extensively for the Society  of Manufacturing Engineers, Society of Plastics Engineers, American Electroplaters and Surface Finishers Association and the Mass Finishing Job Shops Association.  Mr. Davidson’s specialty is finishing process and finishing product development.

Next Generation Finishing Technology for Gears and Other Cooperating Parts ABOVE: Isotropic Micro-Finishing Photography by Mark Riley, BV Products Interview with Dave Davidson, dryfinish@gmail.com,

[barrelishings]

Presently data science is Vibratory Tub Finishing Machine

Presently, data science is Vibratory Tub Finishing Machine  a common term. That was not the case at that time five years ago, because only a few people knew about it. Do you need to know what it is before moving on further? It is nothing else but a multidisciplinary combination of data inference, development of algorithms, and technology.

Data Science is not a single term; it covers a wide range of subjects and networks, such as the Internet of Things, Deep Learning, AI, etc. Simply put, we can count data science as a total blend of data inference, computational algorithms, analysis, and technology that helps to solve multifaceted business problems. It also provides companies with advanced tools and technology that enable them to automate complicated business processes linked to the extraction, analysis, and presentation of raw data. With so much happening in the technical field and the data being produced at a rapid pace, it is crucial to know the latest trends in data science as well as the upcoming ones.

Kaggle's CEO Anthony Goldbloom predicts that departmental or business-specific teams will be seen instead of data centers, while Babson College professor Thomas H. Davenport claims that artificial intelligence (AI) will see improvement in 2020. When people were asked about data trends in 2020, AI remained on top position. We have created a list of data science trends to keep you up-to-date with the developments in data science that are going to drive your business towards great success.

AI has become the mainstream technology for both small and large businesses and will blossom in the coming years. We are currently at the initial stage of using artificial intelligence but we will see more sophisticated AI implementations in all fields in 2020. The reason AI is growing rapidly is that it allows companies to enhance their overall business processes, and provides a better way to handle data from both clients and consumers. Although using AI will remain a challenge for many, as it is not that easy to explore the development of this technology. We should see more innovative Apps built with AI, Machine Learning, and other innovations in 2020 that can improve the way we operate. Another phenomenon that will take over the industry is automated machine learning, which with better data management will help transform data science. So, to conduct deep learning you might need specialized training.

The investment in IoT technology is expected to reach $1 trillion by the end of 2020, which will clearly explain the development of smart and connected devices. We used apps and devices even in 2019 which allow us to control our home appliances such as AC, TV, etc. Some of you may not be able to do this now, only via IoT. If you've ever come across smart devices such as Google Assistant or Microsoft Cortana that allow us to automate the regular things, then you'll get an idea that the Internet of Things is constantly attracting users' attention. It will thus enable businesses to invest in this technology, especially in the production of smartphones that use IoT the most.

They simply can not ignore the Big Data research when it comes to data science, which helps businesses gain a competitive edge over data and achieve their goals. Companies today use various tools and technologies to analyze big data, especially python. Organizations are also focused on determining the causes behind certain incidents currently taking place. And that is where predictive & business analytics are used; it helps businesses foresee what can happen in the future. For example, predictive analysis helps you recognize your customers ' preferences from their history of buying or browsing. Based on that, you can build cleverer approaches for attracting new customers and retain the current one.

[barrelishings]

Shredders are becoming more and more Vibratory Tub Finishing Machine

Shredders are becoming more and more Vibratory Tub Finishing Machine

indispensable today as identity theft is rampant in our society. A

great personal security device is the GBC Shredmaster SC170. Small

enough to sit under your desk, you can immediately destroy confidential

material without leaving your office.Here is a closer look at this machine.

Shredders are becoming more and more

indispensable today as identity theft is rampant in our society. A

great personal security device is the GBC Shredmaster SC170. Small

enough to sit under your desk, you can immediately destroy confidential

material without leaving your office. Designed for light use by one or

two users, the SC170 offers quick, convenient shredding that is also

safe for use around children. Here is a closer look at this machine.

Strengths:

Petite dimensions allow this device to store neatly under

your desk for ready access. The ergonomic design provides an angled

head, eradicating the need to pull the shredder out every time you need

to use it.GBC took safety into consideration when they

designed this machine. It features a built-in safety lock that prevents

unintentional use, such as by a curious child or pet. This helps to

keep your office injury-free.Use is simplified by automatic

features. Inserted items activate the blades to begin shredding. The

cutting shafts automatically shut-off once materials are through. A

visual display panel indicates if the power is on, the bag is full, the

door is ajar, or there is an overload. The automatic reverse mode helps

to clear any jams that may occur. The powerful motor is equipped with a

thermal cut off to prevent overheating.Up to 12 sheets can

be fed into the 8.75" throat opening. They can include staples,

paperclips, and even credit cards for the convenient disposal of junk

mail and other unneeded items. Items shred as fast as 10 feet per

minute, swiftly destroying any personal information. The narrow,

unreadable strips that remain are ¼" wide and provide a level 2 security

rating.A window on the built-in waste basket displays the

amount of shreds collected. When the 5.5 gallon bin is full, an

integrated handle on the top of the shredder head provides easy removal

for discarding the shred bag.GBC provides a two year warranty on parts and labor for this product. The cutters are covered by a limited five year warranty.

Weaknesses:

The illegible strips only earn a level 2 security rating.

For most junk mail and generic office documents, such as memos and

work orders, these pieces will keep everything secure. But if you need a

safer way to dispose of personal or confidential information, a cross

cut machine is the way to go. The next model up, the CC175, offers

higher security without a huge price jump.Since this

shredder is designed for low volume use, it doesn't offer continuous

operation. This means that after a short period of use, it will need a

cool down period to avoid overheating. Those needing a light use

personal device probably won't have a problem with this. But if you're

looking for a shredder to share between more than a few people, GBC also

offers small office shredders for multiple users.

For

home or small office use, the GBC Shredmaster SC170 is a perfect system.

Automatic features often reserved for larger machines provide

uncomplicated use on this personal shredder. Compact design allows

convenient under desk storage. The GBC SC170 is an excellent choice for

your next personal shredder.

[barrelishings]

This CNC pipe cutting machine is  Vibratory Tub Finishing Machine

This CNC pipe cutting machine is  Vibratory Tub Finishing Machine extremely versatile as it can help you meet a wide range of requirements. They can cut a range of different materials, including acrylic, cardboard, fabric, textiles, wood, leather, MDF and even some sheet metals.

Learn more about the Portable Electric Sewing Machine and see if it is right for you at this time. Find out the truth about the Portable Electric Sewing Machine and make your final decision.

Are you someone who loves to sew and do you find you would love to do more of it? The truth of the matter is that more and more people are sewing their own clothes and you will find that having a sewing machine is going to make things go much faster and much more smoothly.

Take some time and make sure that you consider what your options are when you are thinking about how much you want to sew and how a portable electric sewing machine can help. Whether you are looking to get back into sewing or you are interested in getting started for the first time, a portable model can be great.

There are many reasons a portable electric sewing machine might be something that you are interested in. For instance, if you are someone who lives in an apartment, you will find that the portable machines tend to be much smaller and much easier to handle than a larger machine.

Similarly, if you are someone who is on the move and who foresees a large move coming up in a few years or even a few months, a machine with some portability might be something that is ideal for you. Consider what kind of situation you are looking at and think about how you are going to be able to get the right kind of result from your machine.

When you are looking at a portable electric sewing machine, make sure that you look up the reviews for the different models. Some people find that there are certain models from certain companies that are quite light and flimsy and while these machines are cheap, they definitely have a problem when it comes to staying power!

Even if you are looking into a machine that is destined not to last as long as some of the metal ones that are made for permanent use, you will find that it is still important to get a machine that as some quality to it! Look for the machines that have the good reviews and that have a long lasting quality to them. Take some time and make sure that you consider what your options are and what you can do to get the impressive sewing results that you want.

One thing that you can do when you are looking for a sewing machine is to head to a fabric store and try them out. There are always several machines that are set up in the sewing area, and if you are interested in trying out a particular machine, you can ask an associate to let you try it out. If you are new to sewing, you will also find that a class can help you get started and that it can do a great deal to help you on your way.

Take some time and consider what your options are going to be when you are thinking about picking up a portable electric sewing machine. This can be something that is perfect for you and at the end of the day, you will discover that this can change the way you dress!

[barrelishings]

Buy vending franchise from Vibratory Tub Finishing Machine Factory

Often, the whole vending route will be for sale. You will be able to find these on Craigslist and Ebay as well. This is a way to get started faster and with immediate income, but it will cost more. Be sure to inspect the dollar figures on previous months earnings, expenses, and take a note of the existing relationships with the owners of the vending machine owners. Since the risk is higher in buying the entire vending route, be prepared to spend more time doing due diligence. An advantage of this approach is that, likely, the vending machines on the route will be of the same type which can reduce the maintenance costs down the road.

Buy vending franchise from Vibratory Tub Finishing Machine Factory a vending franchise company

While buying new vending machines is the most expensive way to get started, it comes with the benefits as well. Often, the company will be able to advise you on the most suitable locations for specific types of machines, they will sometimes even provide you with the complete routes. Of course, you will be able to take advantage of the solid company warranties on each machine, and you will be assured of the possibility of quick repairs when needed. If you have money, and are serious about your long term involvement, this might be a viable solution for you. When you buy several machines at one time you should request wholesale vending machine pricing.

There are times when you need a three-hole

punch and there are times when you think that having a plastic comb

binding machine would be nice. Now that school is back in session, your

kids might be thinking that too, thanks to the projects and reports

they will be doing, not to mention their nightly homework. You might

think a comb binding machine would be expensive, especially when you

already need to buy a high-quality 3-hole punch. But such a machine

doesn't need to break the bank and thanks to GBC, you can have the best

of both worlds.

There are times when you need a three-hole

punch and there are times when you think that having a plastic comb

binding machine would be nice. Now that school is back in session, your

kids might be thinking that too, thanks to the projects and reports

they'll be doing, not to mention their nightly homework. You might

think a comb binding machine would be expensive, especially when you

already need to buy a high-quality 3-hole punch. But such a machine

doesn't need to break the bank and thanks to GBC, you can have the best

of both worlds. The very affordable GBC BindMate includes both a hole

punch and comb binding punch in one convenient machine. The BindMate

can both bind documents and punch holes in them, and with a price of

less than $70.00, it's easy (and justifiable) to get one, whether you

want to use it in your home office or you teenager wants to impress her

history teacher with a bound report. That being said, here are some of

the pros and cons of the GBC BindMate binding machine.

The biggest pro about this machine (aside from the price) is its

incredible ability to punch holes in paper for use in three-ring

binders and bind documents using plastic combs. It can punch up to

eight sheets of 20 lb. paper at once and it can bind documents up to

125 pages long using combs that are 5/8" in diameter. You can use both

letter size and oversized covers with the BindMate, so it is great for

binding special reports for school or work. This machine is small (like

its price) and easy to operate, thanks in part to its well-designed

handle. There's a small lever you flip to switch between punching and

binding modes, and a built-in comb opener makes the binding process

much easier. Finally, the machine is small and comes with a carrying

handle so it doesn't need to sit in one place all the time.

Partly due to its price, the BindMate does have a few shortcomings.

First, an eight-page punching capacity isn't that impressive, even for

a punch / binding machine of this size. You will need to have a lot of

patience if you're going to be punching or binding thicker documents.

Also, it's too bad that the machine doesn't have disengageable pins

which would enable the user to punch and bind documents larger or

smaller than 8.5" x 11". There's also no punch margin control so you

can really control the position of the holes needed for binding.

Nevertheless, it is a bit ridiculous to expect disengageable pins and a

punch margin control from an inexpensive machine such as this,

especially since those features are usually found in more expensive

machines. However, a larger punching capacity definitely would have

been nice.

The GBC BindMate is a pretty good entry-level machine and the fact that

it combines three-hole punching with comb binding makes it especially

unique, as well as versatile. With the kids back at school, the

BindMate should be on your back-to-school shopping list. You will

probably find that you'll use it just as much as your kids, either for

personal or work projects. Get the best of both worlds and pick up a

GBC BindMate today!

[smedave]

Photo above:  Isotropic Micro-Finishing of Automotive components. (Photo: Mark Riley, BV Products)

Mass Finishing Processes and Mechanical Surface Preparation

For more information and sample processing contact: David A. Davidson | Deburring/Finishing Specialist | dryfinish@gmail.com |Advisor: SME Machining/Material Removal Technical Community | https://dryfinish.wordpress.com

What is mass finishing?

Mass finishing is a term used to describe a group of abrasive industrial processes by which large lots of parts or components made from metal or other materials can be economically processed in bulk to achieve one or several of a variety of surface effects. These include deburring, descaling, surface smoothing, edge-break, radius formation, removal of surface contaminants from heat treat and other processes, preplate and prepaint or coating surface preparation, blending in surface irregularities from machining or fabricating operations, producing reflective surfaces with nonabrasive burnishing media, refining surfaces, and developing superfinish or microfinish equivalent surface profiles.

In many manufacturing applications, surface finish can play a critical role in the long term functionality, performance and longevity of parts, such as this bio-medical surgical implant. The correlation between surface finish and overall long-term part performance is often not well understood by the manufacturing and engineering community.

Mass finishing processes can be used to develop exceptionally high quality surface finishes. This photo above shows an example of a centrifugal barrel finish processes used develop precision micro-finished surfaces on surgical implants. The part on the left has undergone an abrasive smoothing operation, The part on the right has been processed in a follow-up polishing operation in the same equipment with ultra-fine polishing materials.

All mass finishing processes utilize a loose or free abrasive material referred to as media within a container or chamber of some sort. Energy is imparted to the abrasive media mass by a variety of means to impart motion to it and to cause it to rub or wear away at part surfaces. Although by definition, the term mass finishing is used generally to describe processes in which parts move in a random manner throughout the abrasive media mass, equipment and processes that utilize loose abrasive media to process parts that are fixtured come under this heading also.

Why mass finishing?

Nearly all manufactured parts or components require some measure of surface refinement prior to final assembly, or the final finish or coating required to make the parts acceptable to the consumer or end-user. Most manufacturing companies who employ mass finishing techniques do so because of the economic advantages to be obtained, especially when compared with manual deburring and surface finishing techniques. Mass finishing processes often reduce or eliminate many procedures that are labor intensive and require extensive part handling. This is especially important in meeting increasingly stringent quality control standards, as most mass finishing processes generate surface effects with part-to-part and lot-to-lot uniformity that cannot be replicated with processes in which parts are individually handled. It has become a manufacturing engineering axiom that part reject and rework rates will plummet, if a mass finishing approach can be implemented to meet surface finish objectives.

Although each of the mass finishing process types carries with it a unique set of process strengths and weaknesses, all of them are sufficiently versatile to be able to process a wide variety of part types successfully. A plethora of abrasive media types, sizes, and shapes makes it possible, in many cases, to achieve very different results within the same equipment, ranging from heavy grinding and radiusing to final finishing. Components from almost every conceivable type of material have been surface conditioned using mass finishing techniques including ferrous and nonferrous metals, plastics, composition materials, ceramics, and even wood.

Mass finishing cautions

Despite the immense versatility of these types of processes, some potential process limitations should be noted. It can be difficult to selectively treat certain part areas to the exclusion of other areas, which might have critical dimensional tolerance requirements. Unless masked or fixtured, all exterior areas of the part will be affected by the process to a greater or lesser degree, with effects on corners and edges being more pronounced than those on flat areas, and with interior holes, channels, and recesses being relatively unaffected in the more common processes.

Care must be exercised in media size, shape selection, and maintenance to prevent media lodging in holes and recesses, which might require labor-intensive manual removal. Some parts have shapes, sizes, or weights that may preclude them from being finished in some mass finishing processes because of the risk of impingement from part-on-part contact or of nesting due to certain features of the parts interlocking together when in proximity. Additionally, most processes that use water in conjunction with the abrasive media create an effluent stream, which must be treated prior to discharge into municipal sewage or other disposal.

Mass finishing — part of the manufacturing process

Much time and money can be saved both in mass finishing process operations and in process development if finishing considerations are given sufficient weight at the design, production, and quality control stages. Although it is a rule more breached than observed, it should be noted that mass finishing processes are not, and were never intended to be, methods for rectifying errors made in earlier stages of the manufacturing process. It should be equally obvious that processes developed for parts made with tools and dies that are sharp will no longer produce the same results when that tooling becomes dull. Mass finishing processes can produce remarkably uniform results if process parameters are followed carefully, but this assumes some measure of uniformity of surface condition for a given part within a lot, and from lot-to-lot, as received in the finishing area.

Mass finishing equipment

One of the more obvious factors influencing mass finishing processes is equipment selection. There are five major equipment groups as follows: barrel, vibratory, centrifugal barrel, centrifugal disk, and spin/spindle finishing.

There are variations within each major grouping, and each equipment group has its own set of advantages. The first four groups are primarily used with parts immersed within a body of abrasive media and are capable of some independent movement within that mass. On occasion, fixturing or some subcompartmentalization may be used to isolate delicate or critical parts from each other. Part-on-part contact may also be minimized by using higher media-to-part ratio combinations. Common media-to-part ratios for noncritical parts run anywhere from 1:1 to 1:4 by volume. Parts with a higher need for cushioning and protection may utilize media/part ratios as high as 10:1 to 15:1. In contrast, all spin/spindle finishing processes utilize fixturing of parts, and in most cases movement of the fixture develops much of the action needed to abrade the parts.

As is the case with most other mass finishing equipment, polyurethane, rubber, or linings made from similar material are used to extend equipment life, provide some measure of cushioning to parts, and furnish some measure of noise abatement. Although considered by some to be an outdated and obsolete finishing method, barrels still have a place in the finishing engineer’s repertoire. Although it is true that it is slower and presents some automation and materials handling challenges, it is sufficiently versatile to perform numerous finishing operations for many manufacturers. Furthermore, barrel finishing provides an excellent alternative for flat parts, which may nest in vibratory systems. Although perhaps requiring some measure of operator experience in order to be used effectively, barrel finishing is capable of producing some unique and desirable surface finishes and is highly efficient in compound and media usage.

Vibratory finishing systems

Vibratory finishing was introduced during the 1950s and, through a succession of design refinements, has become the primary workhorse of the industry. Equipment usually consists of a spring-mounted open chamber, lined with polyurethane or similar material, to which a vibratory motion generator is attached. The motion generator is usually mechanical in nature, consisting of a rotating shaft with eccentric weights affixed. (A few machines make use of electromagnetic motion generators.)

Bowl vibratory systems (Photo by Mark Riley, BV Products)

The motion of the media within the chamber can be controlled by adjusting the speed of rotation (frequency ranges between 900 and 3,000 rpm, more commonly between 1,200 and 1,800 rpm), the positioning of the eccentric weights, and the amount of the weight attached (amplitude: the amount of “rise and fall” being imparted to the container and mediacan range between 1/ in. [2 mm] to 3/ in. [10 mm]). The actual chambers are available in a variety of shapes (round bowl, oval, or U-shaped tub being the most common.) The adjustments noted above will not only affect the vibratory motion of the media, but the roll or forward motion within the chamber (spiral motion in the case of many round bowls).

  A number of advantages have manifested themselves over traditional barrel finishing methods. Unlike barrel processing, the entire media mass is in motion at any given time, so parts are being constantly treated, making for shorter cycle times. The entire chamber is utilized to its full capacity and, in many cases, the vibratory motion of the machine can be harnessed to assist in unloading. Many round bowl equipment designs are capable of internal separation, where an integral separation deck is used to separate and retrieve media from parts being unloaded at the end of a cycle. The open nature of equipment allows for ease of operator monitoring of the process on a continuous basis.

Tub vibrators

This equipment ranges in size from 1 cubic foot (30 L) capacity up to 200 cubic feet (660 L).

Tub vibrators are considered to have more aggressive media action than round-bowl machines, and they are capable of processing very large, bulky parts (as large as 6 ft by 6 ft) or potentially awkward part shapes (parts 40-ft long and longer). The vibratory motion generators consist of rotating shafts with sets of eccentric weights attached either at the bottom of the U-shaped tub or one of the sidewalls.

This equipment is usually loaded from the top of the chamber, and usually unloaded through a discharge door located on a side panel. Parts and media can be screened on an external separation deck. This arrangement allows for relatively quick load/unload or media changeover cycles when compared with other equipment.

Tub-shaped or tubular-shaped vibrators are commonly utilized for continuous high volume applications where the time cycle required to process the parts is relatively short. Media return conveyors and feed hoppers are used to meter the correct ratio of media and parts to the loading area of the machine, while media and parts are separated on a continuous basis by a screen deck located at the unload or discharge area of the machine. Tub-type machinery is also used extensively for batch applications and can be easily subcompartmentalized for parts that require total segregation from each other. A typical machine is shown below.

Tub vibratory machine. for processing large structural parts such as this airframe titanium component (for hand deburring minimization)

Round-bowl vibratory systems

Round-bowl equipment normally has a processing chamber that resembles the bottom half of a doughnut. Although up to 20% slower than tub-style machines, and having occasionally more unwieldy media changeover routines, the advantages in automation and material handling for these machines have often given them an edge in any processing cost per part analysis. The vibratory motion generator on these machines is customarily a vertical shaft mounted in the center-post area of the bowl. Adjustments related to the eccentric weights on this shaft will affect the rolling motion of the media, as well as the forward spiral motion of the media in the bowl chamber. This spiral motion is one of the machine’s more salient advantages, as it promotes an even distribution and segregation of parts in the mass, thus lessening the chance of part-on-part contact.

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ABOVE: Isotropic Micro-Finishing Part Applications.  Photos by Mark Riley, BV Products

Like tub machines, equipment size varies from small bench models, whose capacity are measured in quarts or gallons, to very large equipment in excess of 100 ft3 capacities. Successful processing requires appropriate media and compound selection, correct amplitude and frequency adjustments of the motion generator, and precisely determined water flow rate and compound metering rates. Unlike barrel systems, whose water levels are determined once at the beginning of the cycle, vibratory systems have a constant input and throughput of water into the system (both flow-through and recirculation systems are employed, although flow-through is generally much preferred).

Water levels are critical to process success. Too much water will impede the vibratory motion of the mass. Too little will permit a soils/sludge buildup on the media, reducing its cutting efficiency. Flow-through functions can be automated with appropriate controls and metering devices. For parts requiring relatively short cycle times, round-bowl machines can be configured to perform in a continuous mode, the parts being metered in and then making one pass around the bowl, and exiting via the internal separation deck. Some designs include a spiral bottom to enhance loading from the machine onto the separation deck, lessening the likelihood of part-on-part contact at the entrance to the separation deck.

Ease of use and economy are the hallmarks of vibratory finishing methods, and have contributed to making this perhaps the most accepted deburring and surface conditioning method for finishing parts in bulk. The equipment performs well in either batch or continuous applications. Standard applications usually can be run most economically in round-bowl-type equipment. Larger parts may require more specialized tub-type equipment, large volumes of parts, which can be processed in relatively short cycles, can make use of continuous tub or bowl equipment, or even multi-path equipment. The latter can offer parts transfer from one operation to a secondary-type operation within the confines of the same machine, but different chambers. Vibratory action itself often will preclude the ability to develop super-finishes or micro-finishes. These types of finishes are often best attempted in equipment in which the media action has a more rolling, glancing, or linear action than short stroke movement characteristic of vibratory finishing.

Centrifugal barrel finishing

Centrifugal barrel finishing (CBF) is a high-energy finishing method, which has come into widespread acceptance in the last 25-30 years. Although not nearly as universal in application as vibratory finishing, a long list of important CBF applications have been developed in the last few decades.

ABOVE: Centrifugal Barrel Machines come in a variety of sizes, the largest standard model is capable of isotropic micro-finishing or super-finishing precision parts as large as 1000mm long. crankshafts or camshafts.  Very small and intricate parts can also be finished with small media for accessing complex geometries.

Videos above demonstrate Centrifugal Isotropic Finishing and Micro-Finishing with Centrifugal Barrel Finishing Equipment

Similar in some respects to barrel finishing, in that a drum-type container is partially filled with media and set in motion to create a sliding action of the contents, CBF is different from other finishing methods in some significant ways. Among these are the high pressures developed in terms of media contact with parts, the unique sliding action induced by rotational and centrifugal forces, and accelerated abrading or finishing action. As is true with other high energy processes, because time cycles are much abbreviated, surface finishes can be developed in minutes, which might tie up conventional equipment for many hours.

The principle behind CBF is relatively straightforward. Opposing barrels or drums are positioned circumferentially on a turret. (Most systems have either two or four barrels mounted on the turret; some manufacturers favor a vertical and others a horizontal orientation for the turret.) As the turret rotates at high speed, the barrels are counter-rotated, creating very high G-forces or pressures, as well as considerable media sliding action within the drums. Pressures as high as 50 Gs have been claimed for some equipment. The more standard equipment types range in size from 1 cubic foot (30 L) to 10 cubic feet (300 L).

Media used in these types of processes tend to be a great deal smaller than the common sizes chosen for barrel and vibratory processes. The smaller media, in such a high-pressure environment, are capable of performing much more work than would be the case in lower energy equipment. They also enhance access to all areas of the part and contribute to the ability of the equipment to develop very fine finishes. In addition to the ability to produce meaningful surface finish effects rapidly, and to produce fine finishes, CBF has the ability to impart compressive stress into critical parts that require extended metal fatigue resistance. Small and more delicate parts can also be processed with confidence, as the unique sliding action of the process seems to hold parts in position relative to each other, and there is generally little difficulty experienced with part impingement. Dry process media can be used in certain types of equipment and is useful for light deburring, polishing, and producing very refined super-finishes.

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Above: Photo gallery of some high-energy isotropic finishing applications

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Photo-gallery above:  Centrifugal Isotropic Finishing Applications.  Photos by Mike Klein, IsoFinishng, Inc.

Practicality and questions of cost effectiveness often determine whether high-energy methods are selected over conventional barrel or vibratory processes. If acceptable surface finishes can be developed in a few hours, conventional equipment is usually the most economic alternative. CBF equipment’s strong suit is the ability to develop surface finishes that may require over-lengthy time cycles in conventional equipment and the ability to develop a wide range of special surface finishes required for demanding and critical applications.

Centrifugal disk

Another high-energy finishing method that has become popular in recent years is the centrifugal disk. Most equipment is in the form of a cylinder or bowl with a spinning disk at the bottom. This disk propels the media upward against the interior sidewalls of the cylinder, which act as a brake, causing the mass to turn over and return to the center of the disk, where it is set in motion again. This unique media action is said to perform abrading operations at five to 10 times the speed of conventional vibratory action. As the machine is basically an open end chamber, in-process inspection and monitoring are possible. Faster time cycles can also reduce work in progress and make the equipment a good choice for manufacturing cells. In general, larger or lengthy parts are not good candidates for disk finishing and, at times, higher than usual media-to-part ratios must be maintained to avert part-on-part contact. Equipment size ranges from 1 cubic foot (15 L) bench-top models to 20 cubic foot (600 L) floor machines.

  One critical area of attention on this equipment is the gap between the spinner disk and the ring located around the exterior of the disk. Particles or fines of media that are capable of lodging in this area may cause significant damage to certain types of equipment. Correct media maintenance and attention to water flow-through rates can be an important factor in extending the useful service life of main components. Some equipment has the ability to run either wet or dry process media. Many equipment models, however, are designed for dedicated use in either wet or dry finishing and should not be used in the other mode without extensive consultation with the manufacturer. A centrifugal disc finishing system is shown above.

Spin/spindle finish equipment

Spindle finishing is performed by fixturing parts at the end of a (stationary, rotating, planetary, or oscillating) spindle, and arranging for the part to be immersed in a mass of fine media, which may be vibrating, stationary, or directed at the workpiece by a spinner arrangement or rotation of the entire media chamber. As all parts must be fixtured, impingement from part-on-part contact is nonexistent. Time cycles can be very short, ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes. Equipment from various manufacturers may feature single or multifixture capabilities. Types of operations vary from heavy abrasive operations for deburring and stock removal, to the use of very fine dry polishing media in some equipment to develop color-buff-type finishes. One recent development in spindle finishing is the turbofinish method, which involves the high-speed rotation of components in a fluidized bed of fine abrasive or polishing material.

Turbo-Finish Model TF-522 Turbo-Abrasive Machining Center for high speed dry horizontal spindle finishing. Photo courtesy Turbo-Finish Corporation

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Above: Turbo-Finish (High-speed dry spindle finishing) Photo gallery courtesy of Dr. Michael Massarsky, Turbo-Finish Corporation

  Mass finishing media

Media can be generally defined as the loose material contained in the work area of a mass finishing machine, which, when in motion, performs the work desired on part surfaces. Media may be natural or synthetic, abrasive or nonabrasive, random or preformed in shape. Much of the versatility inherent to mass finishing processes can be traced to the wide array of media types, sizes, and shapes available to industry. What follows is a rundown of the more commonly used media types.

Natural/mineral media

Crushed and graded stone was once the predominant source for tumbling abrasives in the early days on barrel finishing. Raw source material included both limestone and granite. Some naturally sourced materials still find some barrel finishing applications today, such as corundum and novaculite. As a general rule, problems with fracturing, rapid wear and attrition rates, lodging, and disposal of the high amount of solid or sludge waste material created mitigates against crushed and graded mineral materials being an effective media for most applications.

Agricultural media

A variety of granular media such as ground corn cob, walnut shell, pecan shell, sawdust, and wooden pegs are used in all of the equipment discussed. These dry process media are used in conjunction with various fine abrasive compounds similar to compounds that might be used in buffing applications. These media are often used in secondary cycles, after initial cutting and smoothing, to produce very fine reflective finishes. Attractive decorative finishes can be produced for jewelry and other consumer articles and, by extension, very low R finishes can be produced for precision industrial components.

Dry media used for fine smoothing and polishing operations in barrel, vibratory, centrifugal and spindle processing

Preformed media

These media have largely replaced the crushed and graded mineral materials mentioned above. Media preforms are made from either extruded ceramic/abrasive shapes, which are fired, or resin-bonded, or which have been molded. The preform concept was an important one for the finishing industry. Unlike the more random shaped mineral media, size and shape preform selection could prevent media lodging and promote access to complex part shapes. The uniformity and predictable wear rates of the media also made it possible to prevent both lodging and separation problems caused by undersized, worn media. A wide variety of shapes have been developed by various manufacturers over the years to accommodate these requirements, including cones, triangles, angle-cut cylinders, wedges, diamonds, tristars, pyramids, arrowheads, and others.

Ceramic media are generally harder and more abrasive and are customarily used for more aggressive applications. Plastic media, as a rule, are somewhat softer and capable of producing finer finishes.

Fig. 4 – A ceramic preformed abrasive media used for barrel, vibratory and finishing operations [3/8 inch angle cut triangle shaped]

Burnishing media

Media made from case hardened steel, stainless steel, and other formulations are used widely in barrel and vibratory equipment to produce burnished surfaces. These media are very heavy (300 lb/ft3 versus 100 lb/ft3 for ceramic media) when compared with other media types and are nonabrasive in nature. It should be noted that not all vibratory equipment can turn or roll steel media. Because of the weight, enhanced or heavier duty equipment may be necessary. The media performs by peening or compressive action; surface material is not removed, as is the case with abrasive media. Burnishing processes with steel media can be used either to develop reflective decorative finishes or provide functional finishes. One attribute of burnishing processes is that part surfaces are often work-hardened, which can extend the service life of components in moving assemblies. Steel media can be extremely long lasting, if care is taken to prevent corrosion of surfaces while in use and/or storage. Nonabrasive porcelain media are also used for some burnishing procedures and are prevalent in some centrifugal applications.

Compounds

Many abrasive and burnishing applications use water with specially formulated compound additives. The proper selection and dosage of these additives (in either liquid or dry powder form) can have a critical effect on the viability of the process. These compounds perform an assortment of functions including water conditioning or softening, pH control, oil/soil and metallic and abrasive fine suspension to prevent redeposition on part surfaces, rust inhibition, cleaning, foam development or control, as well as media lubricity control. Some special compounds are used to chemically accelerate finishing cycle times; some of these may be intensely caustic or corrosive and may require some special handling.

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How can you produce high quality edge and surface finishes on large lots of manufactured or machined parts uniformly and economically? Photo above:  Isotropic Micro-Finishing of Automotive components. (Photo: Mark Riley, BV Products) Mass Finishing Processes and Mechanical Surface Preparation…