Dry Mass Finishing Vibratory Processes

Q. We are currently deburring our steel parts in a wet vibratory bowl process using a ceramic media. Our customer has instructed us to run a dry process. Is this possible?

A. Dry processes in vibratory machines are being developed and are progressing. There is a urethane-based, pre-formed media that runs fairly clean and works pretty well. The process works better when it is combined with a dust collector that removes the fine particles produced by the process.

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Any dry media can load with oils, dirt and metal oxidation particles reducing the media’s effectiveness.

The ceramic media you’re currently using, when run dry, will scratch your part’s finish a bit more. The media will eventually load and become dirty, possibly impregnating contaminants into your parts. It may also visually deteriorate your finish. You can try it, it might work for awhile, and your dirty media can be periodically cleaned.  

Dry media processes with polishing abrasive impregnated into corn cob or walnut shells are being used for high-luster finishing. The impregnated dry media work well in high-energy centrifugal systems, spindles and drag machines. These media are simply replaced when no longer effective.