REDWIRE Media selection the key to mass finishing success

June 8, 2016 REDWIRE is news you can use from leading suppliers. Powered by FRASERS.

Posted by Vibra Finish Limited


Vibra Finish Limited is a manufacturer of vibratory finishing, centrifugal finishing, tumbling, separating, vibro-peenin... Read more

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The first step to achieving quality results in any mass finishing operation is selecting the right combination of media, compound and equipment for the application. With ceramic, plastic and steel media available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colours and compositions, there are many factors to consider to choose the most appropriate media for the application

Key considerations

 

There are four main factors to consider during the selection process. 

1. Composition: The composition of the abrasive media determines its grinding performance and the surface finish effect. Consider the desired effect when looking at the options. 

2. Shape: The media must fit the shape of the component to ensure all contours can be reached and lodging is avoided. Media shape also impacts performance. When media is large and heavy, for example, it cuts more aggressively and leaves a more textured surface. 

3. Grades: There are a wide range of ceramic and plastic media grades, each recommended for different applications. Media with no abrasive, for example, is ideal for very fine burnishing and polishing, while extremely heavy, high-density media can be used to replace steel media in some applications. Grades containing silicon carbide abrasive should be used on parts that can have no aluminum oxide impregnation. Plastic media is often used with complex aluminum and zinc die cast parts, while steel media is ideal for surfaces that need to become hardened and require longer cycle lives and greater resistance to wear. 

4. Size: The difference in size between the component and the media must be sufficient to allow for separation. Media is typically smaller than the parts so that it can pass through a screen if the process involves automatic separation.

An industry leader

Vibra Finish has more than 40 years of experience in manufacturing machinery and production finishing. The Mississauga, Ont.-based company has the expertise to help customers select the most appropriate media for their application, which will lead to success in mass finishing operations.

To learn more, contact Vibra Finish


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Posted by Vibra Finish Limited


Vibra Finish Limited is a manufacturer of vibratory finishing, centrifugal finishing, tumbling, separating, vibro-peenin... Read more

Contact supplier