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Q&As since 1989


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Mass microscopic deburring processes for fasteners?

2005

What mass finishing processes are effective at deburring 18-8 (300-series alloy) stainless steel fasteners? Are there any processes that are equivalent to electropolishing, but can be applied to batches of parts (without manual fixturing of individual parts)?

I am interested in processes that will remove microscopic burrs down to approximately 5 microns size or smaller.

The fasteners also require passivation, so please detail if passivation would be required after the deburring process.

Grant Kiehne
manufacturing - Bloomfield, Connecticut, USA

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Electropolishing can be done in bulk by the barrel method. This will also passivate the parts.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
2005

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There are a lot of mass finishing methods and media that can be used to improve surface finishing of your parts; however, there are some that are better than others and most of that has to do with time cycles, quantities, volume and the desired end results. Most non-abrasive burnishing media will achieve bright finishes as will treated dry organic media. Time cycles are drastically different using that same technology system.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2005