Vibra Finish can offer both barrel and vibratory finishing systems

Vibra Finish offers different machine options for finishing services.

One of the advantages of working with Vibra Finish for industrial finishing services is the choice of different mass-finishing systems that clients have. This company has access to high-end equipment, including barrel tumblers and vibratory tumblers; these versatile machines can handle a range of tasks efficiently, such as deburring and surface finishing.

It can be tough for clients to know what kinds of finishing services they need, so Vibra Finish offers its expertise to pick the right solution.

Barrel or vibratory finishing

A barrel tumbler is designed to finish surfaces in a way that imitates rocks skidding down hills: as the barrel rotates, the tumbler’s corners lift parts until they can slide down the side of the barrel, and then the machine abrades and deburrs the parts as they scrape against media and each other.

Vibratory tumblers, on the other hand, use a filing-style action. As cutting media surrounds the parts being finished, the rotating weight shakes the tub in a circular path as the tumbler lifts up the entire load at an angle and then drops it. The tub returns to an upward position as the load falls, while applying an upward, angular force that makes the parts and media rub against each other.

One of the significant differences between these types of tumblers, according to Vibra Finish, is that barrel tumblers grind at an applied force, while vibratory tumblers use a free-fall force. The former has a force between five and ten times that of the latter. Barrel tumblers can only cut 20-30 per cent of the full load at a time, while vibratory tumblers cut the entire load with each pulse.

Barrel finishing results in uneven surfaces and rounded-off corners, which is appropriate for brute stock removal, foundry castings, and parts with heavy radii. By contrast, vibratory finishing results in smooth, flat finishes and is preferable for fragile parts, as well as tubes or cup-shaped pieces. Cost can also make a difference, since barrel systems run longer than vibratory ones.

Trust Vibra Finish for the right choice for any finishing services.

For more information, contact Vibra Finish.

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