In manufacturing, burrs are surface imperfections such as rough areas, raised edges, or small pieces of material attached to a workpiece. They are created due to the cutting, milling, grinding, drilling, and other methods used to form or shape a part. There are five basic types of burrs – Poisson, roll-over, tear, cut-off, and thermal:
Poisson burrs
Poisson burrs can occur when the workpiece material deforms outwards or sideways when a machine tool applies downward force.
Roll-over burrs
Also known as an exit burr, roll-over burrs occur when a cutting tool causes the workpiece material along the cut edge to bend or roll over.
Tear burrs
Tear burrs occur when the workpiece material is torn or deformed rather than cut cleanly.
Cut-off burrs
Cut-off burrs occur when material separates or falls off during the cutting process.
Thermal burrs
Also known as slags, spatters, or dross, thermal burrs are formed during thermal machining processes such as welding, molding, or laser cutting.
REMOVING BURRS FROM A WORKPIECE
“Deburring” is the process of removing burrs from a workpiece. Burrs need to be removed because they can compromise the longevity, function, aesthetics, and safety of a part. Some of the problems associated with burrs and other surface roughness can include:
- Cracks, pits, and other surface defects
- Part failure
- Excessive friction and heat
- Increased part wear
- Increased risk of static discharges
- Damage to other parts and components in a system.
ABRASIVE FLOW MACHINING SMOOTHS AND DEBURRS PARTS
Abrasive flow machining provides an effective way to deburr and polish parts made from a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites. Abrasive flow machining is a finishing process that uses abrasive flow media to smooth and deburr a workpiece.
The abrasive media consists of an abrasive material mixed with a polymer carrier. (The type of abrasive material used depends on a workpiece’s composition.) It’s hydraulically extruded along the inner and outer surfaces of a workpiece. As it flows across the workpiece, the abrasive media erodes burrs and other surface imperfections.
THE ADVANTAGES OF USING ABRASIVE FLOW MACHINING FOR DEBURRING PARTS
Abrasive flow machining offers several advantages over other finishing methods. It provides:
- Consistent and precisely controlled material removal.
- Accurate and repeatable results.
- Greatly reduced surface roughness and improved surface finishes.
- Shorter cycle times.
Abrasive flow machining is often more cost-effective than other finishing processes. It’s ideal for parts with complex geometries and internal passages that may be difficult or impossible to reach using other finishing processes. Parts finished using the abrasive flow machining process are safer, perform better, and last longer.
ABRASIVE FLOW DEBURRING AND FINISHING IN PITTSBURGH
Deburring & Finishing Technologies has been providing high-quality abrasive flow deburring services, equipment, and consumables to manufacturers across the nation since 2009. Our team of abrasive flow machining engineers and technicians possess the experience, equipment, and expertise to tackle just about any AFM job. We work with companies in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, consumer electronics, and more.
Companies all over the Pittsburgh area turn to Deburring & Finishing Technologies for expert abrasive flow deburring services and custom-formulated abrasive flow media. Find out how abrasive flow machining can help your company – contact Deburring & Finishing Technologies through our website or call us at (412) 849-1522 for more information.