When it comes to manufacturing processes, industrial companies choose vibratory tumbling systems as the go-to finishing mechanisms for batch and continuous parts finishing. Also commonly known as vibratory finishing machines, these devices are used to separate excess materials from pockets, recesses, and bores.
To put it simply, the process of vibratory finishing is a process where materials get a finished, polished look. It is usually a large-scale activity that undergoes a chemical/mechanical process wherein these machines are used on a broad range of workpieces and surface finishing for particular objectives.
What is the Process Involved in Vibratory Finishing?
The components that require to go through the vibratory finishing machine processing are called workpieces. They are mixed in a bowl with a material called media, which vibrates with the workpieces to achieve the desired finish.
The process is quite simple: the media aids in finishing the workpieces. More often than not, other chemicals and components are added to the bowl through a supply line. This is to ensure the safety of the personnel handling the compounds. This compound is usually a mixture of water and detergent or a degreasing agent mixed with water.
The media is an essential factor in the vibratory finishing process as it is an abrasive agent in removing the unwanted material from the workpieces loaded into the machine. In a way, it also serves as a cushioning agent for the rapidly moving parts and as the carrier for added compounds in the bowl.
It is important to note that suitable media should be considered to have an efficient finishing process and the desired outcome. The media selection is determined through the size of the workpieces to estimate the shape, size, and other characteristics desired out of the process.
Water and the added compound are equally essential in the process as their function is not only for cleaning but also for pickling the workpieces, so they may turn out to be the desired end product. This combination of water plus compound is also essential in maintaining the abrasiveness of the media.
There are different kinds of finishing that goes into the process. There is general finishing that uses ceramic media, others that use metal parts, and sometimes organic media such as nut shells and corn cob. Some media are small in size, such as mixed pellets composed of stones, river pebbles, and tiles.
Then we proceed to the vibration process, which triggers the tumbling process, in which the abrasive material (media) is mixed with the workpiece. The scientific process involved in vibratory finishing is basic kinematics, using the motion of objects to achieve the desired result.
To activate the vibratory process, the bowl is placed on mechanical springs, which support the mixing bowl during the oscillating movement once the device is turned on. This movement causes the constant rubbing of the media, workpieces, and other materials for finishing.
How To Choose the Right Vibratory Finishing Device
As you select the equipment you need, it is suggested to consider the needs of your business and the level of expertise and standards of the person/s who will handle such equipment. Customization is the way to go when ordering a suitable vibratory finishing machine fit for your use.
Here are some customization ideas that you can derive in selecting the equipment:
- Choosing a soundproof cover to minimize noise from the vibratory process;
- Pumping extension that would feed the compounds into the vibratory mixing bowl; and
- Using a separator for media and workpiece upon finishing the process for easier extraction of the finished product.
Takeaway
Although vibratory finishing machines may seem intimidating equipment to manipulate, knowing the proper handling and order of usage and how to use them is an integral part of achieving the finishing process you need for your enterprise. Research into the product can also help save time and resources when selecting the suitable vibratory finishing machine.
