Commonly referred to as a “loose-abrasive” method, mass finishing typically involves tumbling or vibrating large batches of parts inside specially designed barrels or tubs. Abrasive media is also used to help deburr parts. There are many different types of media, which is formed in a variety of sizes and shapes. Media is made from materials like ceramic, resin bonded plastic, and metallics, as well as organic materials like corn cob grit, wood pegs, and sand. The type or types of media used during mass finishing will depend on the desired finish of the part.
Mass finishing is a process that can be done wet or dry, according to the required application. Wet mass finishing mixes water and other water-soluble compounds inside the chamber with the media and parts. As the name suggests, dry mass finishing does not utilize liquids during the finishing process. However, media used for dry mass finishing is often softer and less abrasive than media used during wet mass finishing.
Types of Mass Finishing
Vibratory and centrifugal barrel finishing are the most widely used types of mass finishing, though there are several other methods. Determining the best finishing method depends on many things, such as the size, shape, material, and desired surface roughness of the part. Here are some of the most common types of mass finishing utilized today.
Centrifugal Barrel Finishing
Centrifugal barrel finishing requires parts to be placed inside a barrel with one or more types of media. The barrel is then rotated while the barrel’s turrets are moved in the opposite direction, like a Ferris wheel. Burrs are removed from the part’s surface due to the pressure and sliding motion of the parts and media against the side of the barrel. Like vibratory finishing, centrifugal barrel finishing can be done wet or dry depending on the material and polishing requirements of the parts.
Vibratory Finishing
During vibratory finishing, parts and specially shaped pellets of media are placed inside of the vibratory tumbler chamber. The chamber is then vibrated, creating friction as the media rubs against the parts, which results in deburring and smoothing the surface. Depending on the application requirements, vibratory finishing can be done either wet or dry.
Centrifugal Disc Finishing
Like centrifugal barrel finishing, centrifugal disc finishing relies on a rotating motion to deburr parts. Rather than a cylindrical barrel, centrifugal disc finishing uses a round barrel with a rotating disc at the bottom. During the finishing process, the disc pushes the parts and media out and up against the side of the chamber. As the contents get closer to the top, it begins to slow down before descending and starting the process over again. This process is perfect for the removal of strong burrs and radiusing on small to medium sized parts.
Electropolishing
Electropolishing uses electricity to improve the surface finishing of metallic parts by removing peaks and valleys from their surface. To do so, metallic parts are immersed in an electrolyte solution containing ions, atoms, or molecules. The solution is then subjected to an electrical current which creates a film. Once the film has been removed, the surface of the part is microscopically smooth with limited imperfections.
Chemically Accelerated Finishing
This process is used for the finishing of metallic parts. A surface-active compound is used to form a soft film on the surface. The film is then removed from the peaks of the surface with nonabrasive media, leaving the valleys untouched. This process is repeated until a uniform finish is obtained.
Benefits of Mass Finishing
There are many benefits to mass finishing. In addition to being more cost-effective, mass finishing greatly reduces lead times and results in a more uniform finish every time. While these elements are certainly key factors in an improved finishing process, there are several other benefits.
- Mass finishing produces a repeatable process
- Parts undergo very little handling
- Large batches can be run in shorter periods of time
- Mass finishing is less-costly and more efficient than finishing parts by hand
- Finished parts have a more uniform finish than when completed by hand
If you’d like to learn more about mass finishing or to request a free sample please contact our team.
