Vibratory Finishing
Vibratory finishing places parts in a vibrating tub with abrasive or polishing media and compound, deburring, radiusing edges, cleaning and smoothing hundreds of parts at once. It is an economical mass-finishing process for machined, pressed and cast parts.
What it is
The vibration makes media and parts rub against each other, removing burrs and smoothing surfaces uniformly. Ceramic media cut aggressively; plastic media give smoother finishes on soft metals; steel media burnish and brighten.
Cycle time, media type and compound determine the result, from light deburring to near-polished finishes.
Typical applications
- Deburring machined and turned parts
- Edge radiusing of laser-cut and pressed parts
- Pre-plating surface preparation
- Descaling and cleaning
- Burnishing brass and steel parts
Suitable materials
- Steel and stainless steel
- Aluminium
- Brass and copper
- Plastics (selected media)
Points to consider
- Very small holes can trap media; choose media size carefully.
- Delicate or thin parts may need separators or shorter cycles.
- Cosmetic faces may show impingement marks.
- Dry parts promptly to avoid staining or rust.
Frequently asked questions
What is vibratory finishing used for?
Deburring, radiusing edges, cleaning and smoothing large quantities of small and medium parts economically.
Can vibratory finishing polish parts?
Yes, with fine plastic or steel media and polishing compounds, near-polished finishes are possible.
Will media get stuck in holes?
It can in small holes; media size and shape are chosen to avoid lodging.