Deburring

DEBURRING is, to put it simply, a finishing method used in industrial settings and manufacturing environments. Metal is frequently machined using many processes in order to create pieces of specific shape and size. For example, metal may be welded, molded, cast, trimmed, slit or sheared. These procedures often create ragged edges or protrusions. The raised particles and shavings that appear when metal blanks are machined are referred to as burrs, and the process by which they are removed is known as deburring.

Deburring may be accomplished by one of several methods. Abrasive substances may be applied, or abrasive cloths may be used to rub the metal in order to remove thin shavings and small notches, as well as to polish the piece. In other cases, sanding may be necessary, whether this means a small amount of sanding by hand or rigorous sanding with a machine for more troublesome deformities.

An efficient bulk deburring method is tumbling parts in a Barrel,Vibratory Bowl or High Energy Centrifugal, along with finishing media. Ceramic media with VF-100 Heavy Duty Cleaner is often used for steels . For softer materials, plastic, synthetic or precision media with VF-77T General Purpose Cleaner, and lighter materials like walnut shells, etc. can be used. This type of deburring is usually confined to unfinished materials.

Other methods of deburring require repetitive filing or use of a grinder to smooth away nicks and fragments. Deburring and polishing may be necessary for more than one section of a metal component, since burrs and shavings can occur on seams as well as edges. All surfaces need to be completely smooth.

Deburring is important for quality, aesthetics, functionality and smooth operation of working parts. It is also important for safety. Even a small notch can cause moving parts to catch, creating the potential for accident, injury or unnecessary delay in production. Rough edges can also cause injury when individuals are required to handle blanks. Each of these preventable problems can cost companies a great deal of money.

Deburring greatly improves the quality and functionality of metal and wood pieces, making it a necessary use of time and a cost effective process.

Burrs: Burrs are the normal by product of the machining process. Burrs are often not acceptable, usually for safety reasons, either for handling or for product safety (burrs cutting into insulation, or mechanical chafing). Another reason could be to improve surface appearance-discoloration from welding/brazing, oxidation, scale from heat treatment etc.

Cosmetics requirements of finished parts sometimes require graining. Graining is used to hide surface defects by creating uniform scratches using an abrasive belt sander for example. This results in an even surface appearance. Like all finishing operations, this is to be avoided since it adds extra costs to the product. The grinding grit can range from #100 for removal of gross defects, to about #180 for materials that need silk screening. The abrasives used are dependant on the material. Aluminum oxide is used for steels and silicon carbide is used for softer materials such as aluminum.

A normal burr from well-maintained tools is usually less than 10% of material thickness. If burrs are not acceptable (burr-free requirement), then deburring needs to be done. Typically deburring results in a rounded edge with a radius of 0.05 to 0.075 mm (0.002 to 0.003 in).