subject: Deburring Is On The Agenda [print this page] Deburring Is On The Agenda Deburring Is On The Agenda
With an incredible array of components being made for use in high tech, high performance industries, deburring machines are increasingly part of the manufacturing process, for aesthetic, safety and performance reasons.
Aerospace
Take the aerospace industry. Aircraft engine parts are often mass finished to strengthen the metal and reduce surface variations, so that the life of the component is increased. Not surprisingly both precision and aerodynamics are key features of parts in aircraft engines and this means deburring is a crucial part of the aerospace manufacturing process.
Automotive
Then there is the automotive industry. Deburring on mass is used to combat or minimize the effects of corrosion, reduce frictional energy loss, reduce wear and to improve the aesthetic appearance of surfaces. The motorsport industry consistently uses mass finishing achieving the exacting standards their engineers and designers demand.
Medical
Medical implants and equipment are another area in which deburring is imperative. Prosthetic body parts must be smooth and titanium joints have to be strengthened. Ra values, as low as 0.03, are regularly demanded. When demands like these are made technical expertise is crucial in the selection of media if the deburring process is going to deliver the desired results.
For those involved in quality control component finishing is likely to be on the agenda sooner rather than later. If so, where do they start looking for the right supplier of mass deburring equipment, mass deburring subcontract services or media advice & supplies?
Guide to buying a deburring machine
This guide/deburring checklist could help them make the right decisions:
Only buy a deburring machine after components have been finished in the same machine to the quality standard required.
Make sure production quality components are supplied for testing - not rejects.
Make sure, that when buying a deburring machine the supplier specifies the exact media & compound mix used in the testing as well as the processing times.
Set up a media & compound purchase & delivery agreement to prevent running out of stock, risking damage to expensive parts.
With 24-hour turn around times available from quality vibratory deburring firms, consider subcontracting prior to buying a deburring machine.
Take care when purchasing used deburring machines. The supply of quality used deburring equipment has diminished considerably over the last few years. As a result, the price differential between a quality used machine and a new machine can be very little.
Only purchase a deburring machine from a supplier with repair and maintenance expertise. Even better one that offers guarantees.
If an environment policy exists, consideration should be given to water filtration systems to run alongside your deburring machine and noise reduction lids.
One final point, if any manufacturing process still involves hand deburring of components a feasibility study, however brief, into the benefit mass deburring could bring to the business would be highly recommended. Reduction in cost, consistency of finish and increased productivity, are achievable.
One proviso would be to seek out expert advice to ensure the deburring system is design specifically to achieve the results required. For peace of mind, a process review and written recommendation should be an absolute must if moving from hand deburring to mass deburring
