There are many ways to increase efficiency and reduce downtime. The best solution for you will depend on the available resources and your needs.

Deburring is a critical process in CNC machining, ensuring that parts are free from sharp edges, burrs, and imperfections that can compromise quality and safety. While Xebec’s deburring and finishing tools can be used in standard CNC machines, many manufacturers opt for special machines or robotic automation to streamline the process. But are these machines truly custom-built? How much do they cost, and what advantages do they offer? Let’s explore the world of specialized deburring machines and how they can boost efficiency and save money.

Are Deburring Cells Really Custom?

Many deburring systems are customized rather than custom-built from scratch. They typically integrate Xebec ceramic fiber brushes, back burr cutters, and path optimization tools into existing CNC machines, robots, or automated cells. These systems are designed to handle high-precision parts in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries—where surface finish and precision are critical.

For example, Xebec tools can be installed in:

• CNC machining centers – On-machine deburring reduces cycle time and improves consistency.
• Robotic deburring cells – Robots equipped with Xebec brushes can perform high-volume, repetitive deburring tasks without human intervention.
• Custom-built machines – Some manufacturers design dedicated deburring systems tailored to specific part geometries and production needs.

Instead of building machines from the ground up, most companies modify existing automation solutions to maximize tool life, reduce manual labor, and improve consistency (Xebec, Choosing a Deburring Method).

How Just a Few Minutes of Machine Time Saves Hours of Manual Labor

One of the most significant advantages of on-machine deburring with Xebec tools is the drastic reduction in labor time. Traditional hand deburring can take more than an hour per part, and when applied across high-volume production, this adds up to hundreds of labor hours every month. In contrast, CNC-integrated Xebec deburring tools can remove burrs and finish surfaces in as little as one to two minutes of machine time—without any human intervention.

Key Benefits of On-Machine Deburring with Xebec Tools

• Faster Production Cycles – Automating deburring can eliminate hours of manual labor every day.
• Improve ergonomics and worker safety by eliminating hand deburring.
• Superior Consistency – Unlike hand deburring, which varies based on skill and fatigue, machine-based deburring delivers repeatable, high-precision finishes every time.
• Eliminates Human Error – Manual deburring can lead to over-processing or inconsistent finishes, while automated solutions ensure precision and uniformity.
• Done-In-One Processing – Instead of removing the part from the CNC, deburring by hand, and reloading it, Xebec tools allow continuous machining, deburring, and finishing in the same setup.

For example, a manufacturer producing 100 metal components daily that require 5 minutes of manual deburring per part would need 8+ labor hours per day just for finishing. With Xebec brushes integrated into the CNC, the entire deburring process can be completed in 1-2 minutes per part, reducing the total labor requirement by up to 80%.

This efficiency translates into:
Higher throughput
Reduced labor costs
Fewer operator errors
Improved part consistency

Using Existing Machines vs. Dedicated Deburring & Finishing Cells

One of the biggest misconceptions about automated deburring is that it requires dedicated or custom-built machines. In reality, most manufacturers can use existing CNC machines to handle milling, drilling, deburring, finishing, and polishing—done-in-one.

Option 1: Done-In-One Processing

Using Xebec tools directly in a CNC machine eliminates the need to remove parts for separate finishing steps. This method is ideal when:
The machine has spindle time available for deburring.
There are additional tool slots available
The part geometry allows for efficient tool access.
High-volume production benefits from a seamless workflow.

Example: A manufacturer of precision automotive gears integrates Xebec back burr cutters into its CNC cycle. The machine drills, deburrs, and polishes the edges—all in the same setup—reducing handling time by 70%.

Option 2: Special Deburring & Finishing Cells

For some workflows, it’s more efficient to designate separate machines for deburring and finishing. This is common when:
The main CNC machines are fully utilized for machining.
Parts require specialized surface finishing techniques.
The process involves multiple finishing stages (e.g., edge rounding + polishing).

Example: An aerospace manufacturer creates a robotic deburring station where fixtured parts are transferred from the CNC to a dedicated Xebec deburring cell. The robot applies consistent pressure and motion, ensuring a high-precision finish without requiring CNC spindle time.

Which System Is More Efficient?

It depends on your workflow and production volume:
If spindle time is available → On-machine deburring (done-in-one) is ideal.
If CNC machines are fully loaded → A dedicated deburring cell improves efficiency.

So, Should You Invest in a Special Deburring Machine?

For high-production industries, integrating automated deburring with Xebec tools can provide a significant competitive advantage. Whether you use on-machine deburring or dedicated finishing cells, the key is optimizing your workflow to maximize efficiency and minimize costs. This can be done without purchasing a new dedicated machine.

Ready to automate your deburring process? Explore Xebec’s cutting-edge solutions to optimize your manufacturing workflow today! Contact one of our Certified Application Specialists to discuss your workpiece at sales@deburringtechnologies.com and get some advice.