Metal finishing machines are used to surface finish the exterior of a metal product. Typically, this is achieved using loose abrasives, tumbling media, plating, buffing, or powder-coating in combination with cleaning compounds. Production speed and finishing capability depend largely on the equipment’s calibration, making some machines better than others for a given project.
Advantages of Metal Finishing
Metal finishing machines are used to achieve a variety of smoothing and surface finishing goals. They can be effective for:
- Cleaning a product's surface
- Polishing for improved appearance
- Burnishing for enhanced shine
- Stripping production parts
- Applying corrosion and tarnish resistance
- Vulcanization
Barrel Finishing Machines
Barrel finishing machines, or barrel tumblers, are composed of a six- or eight-sided rotating drum in which metal can be rounded, deburred, or surface treated. Abrasives, tumbler media and lubricating agents are used to create friction in the barrel drum and enhance the effectiveness of the abrasive material.
Barrel finishing machines come in two basic varieties: wet and dry tumblers. Dry tumblers use a vertical process that can handle material across all stages of finishing, while wet tumblers provide a slower cutting rate that results in a finer finish, making them efficient for removing excess stock.
Some of the advantages of barrel finishing include:
- Improved product strength
- Enhanced stress relief
- Ability to process bulk loads
- Higher cost-effectiveness than hand finishing
- Ability to blend forgings and castings
- High-quality surface finishing
- Reduced supervision and greater ease of use
Vibratory Finishing Machines
Rather than using a rotating barrel, vibratory finishing machines surround a work piece with high-frequency motion that can reach 1,700 vibrations per second. This process delivers smooth surface quality and is well-suited for applying finish to products with deep cavities or tubular recesses. Water may be used as a dampening medium because it lowers the cutting action rate. This is especially useful for operations like burnishing, in which the cut rate must be at a minimum.
Some of the major benefits of vibratory finishing machines include:
- The ability to finish fragile, soft, and large-sized products
- A simpler loading and unloading process
- A capacity for thorough cleaning and colorization
- A faster polishing rate
- The reduced potential for media wear
- An easier automation process
Abrasive Blasting Machines
Abrasive blasting, or sandblasting, is capable of simultaneously cleaning and finishing a product. To treat material, abrasive blasting machines direct small particles of sand, steel shot or metal pellets into the substrate at high speeds. The size and velocity of the abrasive particles, the angle of fire, and the length of the cycle can greatly influence the resulting finish.
Direct pressure blasting machines require less pressure to move particles, and are useful for applications with reduced work hardening and warping rates. Siphon machines typically allow for faster cleaning, but have a higher chance of causing unintentional product warping.
Some of the benefits of using an abrasive blasting machine include:
- Reduced cleaning time
- No need for chemical or mechanical cleaning substances
- High cost-effectiveness
- Lower operator training requirements
- High productivity levels
Other Types of Metal Finishing Equipment
There are a number of other metal finishing machines that can be used for certain applications. Depending on your project needs, you may find the following metal finishing machines helpful:
- Plating machinery: These machines bond a thin layer of metal to the exterior of the substrate to improve corrosion resistance, appearance, magnetism, or to attach two materials.
- Brushed metal finishing machines: These machines apply a parallel texture to eliminate surface defects.
- Buff polishers: They deliver high luster and smooth finishes, usually for decorative products.
- Powder-coating equipment: This applies a surface effect similar to painting, but with enhanced durability
- Hot-blackening machines: These coat the substrate in black oxide for a matte appearance and improved abrasion resistance.
