The importance of deburring metal parts, according to Vibra Finish

Burrs can cause a lot of unnecessary production issues if not removed from metal components.

Because many metal machine parts do not work properly if they have raised edges or rough spots, deburring is an important part of the finishing process. Vibra Finish, a trusted source of finishing services in southern Ontario for nearly five decades, uses a unique vibratory finishing service that deburrs the parts during the process.

Burrs often show up as strips of metal next to machined surfaces after parts have been through milling, grinding, turning, drilling, or another kind of machining. A recent blog post by Vibra Finish explains why they need to be removed in the vibratory-finishing process.

Increasing production time and costs

Although certain methods of deburring can be expensive and/or time-consuming, this is usually a small price to pay in comparison to the problems that burrs on metal parts can cause in operation. According to Vibra Finish, here are just a handful of examples of potential burr-related issues:

• Component dimensions can become inaccurate or changed;
• Parts may get surface damage;
• Parts fit poorly into equipment and become harder to put together;
• Users of the finished products may be endangered;
• Burrs may increase production time and costs;
• Poor cutting performance may shorten tools’ operational lifespans;
• Parts are aesthetically unappealing and appear poorly made;
• Burrs may eliminate the possibility of automation;
• Machining parts with burrs may cause damage by hitting the cutting edge, which could create groove wear and more burrs; and
• Burrs can shorten the fatigue life of the component.

Because machine parts have become smaller and more complex in recent years, burrs have an even greater effect on a component’s usefulness now. Burrs themselves have also become smaller and more difficult to remove as a result. Fortunately, there are several kinds of deburring processes today from which to choose, and workpiece type, size, and burr locations can determine the most efficient deburring solution.

Burrs might not look as if they could cause major manufacturing issues, but removing them can improve worker safety, prevent equipment damage, and save a lot of unnecessary expense.

To learn more, contact Vibra Finish.

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