TABLE OF CONTENTS When burr removal is the only key requirement of a part, vibrating parts without using media is a good solution. It is fast, inexpensive, and can be done dry or wet. Another alternative is to use some metal media. Nails, brads, or screws provide points and ridges sufficient to remove many burrs from hard to reach areas.
Parts may be run with no compounds, but for heavier cutting wet media and added abrasive compound are helpful. In about 30 minutes the compound will break down and the entire contents of the tub will begin to dry out. If the deburring is adequate then parts can be rinsed. If it is inadequate, the wetting and compound addition can be repeated and the cycle rerun. The final steps can be addition of burnishing compound or cleaner, then rinsing. Fifteen minutes may be needed to wash out all the compound. The worn abrasive compound may provide enough action to eliminate the need for burnishing compound. Lubricity may be needed if the parts do not roll well in the machine.
Part-on-part processing may require some experimentation, but if it saves compounds and time, it also reduces waste treatment and costs little or nothing to do.
