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Choosing a Deburring Method

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  • Choosing a Deburring Method

How to know which deburring method is right for your application

There are many ways to deburr parts – from manual hand held tools to fully automated, lights out processes. Which is your best option? The answer is usually best answered after determining the following: Which method best achieves the lowest cost per piece produced AND meets your part quality and throughput requirements?

Considerations to help you determine the best deburring process for your application

  • How many pieces do you have to process, and / or will this job repeat on a regular basis?
  • What is the timeframe to complete the deburring process without adversely affecting throughput, work in process flow, customer deadlines, etc
  • Do you have machine time available to add the deburring process?
  • What is the value of the part and what is the total cost of poor quality if the deburring process is inconsistent? Total cost includes scrap of the part, missed production deadlines, rework, customer complaints, etc.
  • Does the method increase costs from injuries resulting from cuts and repetitive motion injuries?
  • Is sufficient manpower available to complete the parts in the required timeframe or are resources available to implement the process such as machine programming?
  • What is the cost of the actual deburring tools used in the process?
  • Does the process produce the required surface finish requirement?
  • For on machine processes- how many pieces can be produced without stopping the machine to change deburring tools?
  • Does the machine tool part orientation / fixturing allow access for the deburring tool?

Overview of the pros and cons of various deburring processes

Automated Deburring Methods

CNC / Robotic Deburring

On machine deburring using
Xebec ceramic fiber brushes and stones

On machine deburring using
Xebec ceramic fiber brushes and stones

On machine deburring using
Xebec BackBurr Cutter and Path

Process overview

Deburring surfaces or crossholes using Xebec brushes and stones in machine tools or robots including automated / lights out operation

Deburring surfaces using nylon impregnated brushes in machine tools or robots

Designed specifically for hole deburring, the Back Burr Cutter and Path consists of the spherical cutter specially designed for CNC deburring using the customized path data.

Pros

 Longest tool life; greatest part quantity produced per tool

May be justified for smaller production quantities

Enables uniform edge shape

Maintains shape providing consistent, repeatable quality

Lower initial price than Xebec

Customized Program created for each application

Fastest machining time

Greatest variety of tool configurations & sizes

Long lasting carbide with specially designed coating

Best surface finish; polishing

Abrasive grains embedded in fibers grind on sides and ends

Helical blade prevents secondary burrs

Surface / crosshole deburring of materials up to 65Rc

Cons

Higher initial tool cost than nylon; best suited for production machining

Inconsistent grinding performance

For hole deburring only

Limited availability of specials

Relatively long machining time

Best utilized with custom path

Cutting action only on end of brush fibers (stones cut on entire surface)

Average surface finish

Information about application required prior to path creation

Nylon fibers deform over time

Manual Deburring Methods

Non-CNC

Manual deburring by hand
or hand held powered tools

Automated deburring using centrifugal
and vibratory media machines

Process overview

Employee uses abrasives, tools, blades, etc to manually, or use hand held powered tools, to remove burrs after machining process

A separate piece of equipment is designed to tumble metal parts and components to polish and deburr them to the desired finish. Abrasive material is typically added to the tumbler to improve the process.

Pros

Lowest initial cost for tools

Automation of edge-finishing and surface polishing

Requires no machine tool time

Consistent, repeatable quality

Deburring can possibly be performed internal to machining process time

Can process large quantity of small parts

Cons

Inconsistent repeatability

High equipment cost or outsourcing

Poor quality; high scrap

Additional floor space required

Requires manpower; can be time consuming creating production bottleneck

Separate process after CNC, can be time consuming

Possible employee injury from repetitive motion or cuts

Not optimal for hole deburring

Comparing CNC Tools for Crosshole Deburring

This guide presents the pros and cons of the various types of tools available for use in CNC for deburring crossholes.

Crosshole Deburring Tools for CNC

Want to learn more about how to calculate the total cost of manual deburring?
Check out the article at the link below:

See How Expensive and Inefficient Manual Deburring Can Be

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Cutting fiber brushes and stones are cutting tools and are often rotated at high speeds with a power tool or in a machine tool. They should never be operated at higher than the maximum speeds listed. When using these tools, safety glasses and gloves should be worn. Breathing the dust created by using these products for prolonged periods of time should be avoided.

Operations Center:

106 West Ohio Avenue
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Technical Support: 1 (800) 434-9775

Toll Free: 1 (800) 306-5901

sales@deburringtechnologies.com

www.deburringtechnologies.com

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Discuss an Application

Please provide us with details regarding your application and a team member will contact you within one business day. Or, our team is available Monday-Friday, 8am – 5pm EST via telephone (800) 306-5901 to discuss your application.

 
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What is the part material/hardness? (Space provided for multiple entries, if applicable)
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What is the step or tool used prior to deburring? (Space provided for multiple entries, is applicable)
What is the finish requirement? (Space provided for multiple entries, is applicable)
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