Definition of Deburring

Deburring is the painstaking process that many metal manufaturers, workshops, and individual metal workers use to remove small bumps and sharp edges that are often the by-product of maching metal. Deburring is considered a finishing method, and will often help polish and completely smooth the surface of the work piece. When metal is created or machined by molding, casting, and other processes, often times their are sharp and rough edges and bumps on the metal. These are called burrs, and they are a natural part of the metal working. This is usually unacceptable to most manufacturers and users of metal, as many times clean and smooth surfaces are needed to decrease friction, increase light reflection, and improve other favorable qualities. When metal is created and shaped to its desired model, the little bumps, sharp edges, and other rough spots are known as burrs. The process of removing these burrs is called deburring. It is a very common practice by most metal manufacturers and is essential to creating a fine finish on a piece of metal.

Deburring Methods- Brush Removal

There are many ways to deburr a work piece, the most common being tumbling, sanding, and grinding. I would like to discuss another effective method for deburring metal, using brushes. Brush deburring can be done manually or automatically using machines. Depending on the stiffness, flexibility, and tensile strength of the bristles, this deburring process can be very efficient. The brushes can be made out of differnet material, depending on how fast or slow you want to go, or how tough or delicate the metal work piece is.

The most common material deburring brushes are made out of is steel. The amount/speed of the removal of burrs depends on the thickness of the bristles and/or the rotating speed of the brush. Nylon brushes are also used for deburring. These often are coated and imbedded with abrasive grains, such as silicon carbide. Rotating speed for this type of brush cannot exceed a certain point, otherwise the bristles are prone to melting. The last type of brush used for deburring are diamond coated bristle. By using natural or manufactured diamonds, this brush is suited for the strongest metal, and has a long life time.

How Deburring Just Got a lot Easier

Since the dawn of metal and wood working, one thing has constantly trouble and annoyed manufacturers, workshops, and individuals: burrs- the unfortunate after-product following the machining process and extrusions. Burrs are the little bumps and sharp edges that protrude from a "finished" work piece. The process that gets rid of these is called deburring. For years workers had to get rid of these burrs by hand by sanding them, taking grinders and other tools to smooth and polish the surface. Now, however, automation is taking over this painstaking process, and is also speeding up efficiency, cutting down on cost and time. Many companies and manufacturers now employ automated robots to do the deburring process, which in turn provides more efficient and cheaper deburring services to the public. Thank goodness for technology making technology better.

Deburring Services

It is important when considering deburring your work piece that you select the best company and/or tools for the job. If you want a professional job, or else would like to deburr a bulk load of manufactured parts, then you should look into deburring services that a number of companies provide. It is likely that they can provide excellent finishes and polishing on top of deburring your pieces. If, on the other hand, you would like to purchase deburring tools and perform the process yourself, then there are also a number of websites that provide you with these tools.

Why Deburring is Necessary

Deburring is an essential part of metal work and wood work. Burrs on work pieces are unfavorable for several reasons. They may cause injury or harm to the person handling the object, which in turn may be followed by an unwanted lawsuit. Deburring is necessary if you want to provide a safe, efficient, workplace. Getting rid of burrs also improves aesthetics and functionality of the work piece. If you want a quality looking metal or wood object, deburring is an essential part of the process. Often times deburring also provides polishing to the piece, which also improves the quality and look of the metal or wood. Deburring also insures that moving parts are working efficiently. With a smooth surface, moving parts will have less friction, may reflect heat better, and prolong the life of the moving part. All this saves a great deal of time and money to the company that effectively deburrs their work pieces.

How is Deburring Accomplished?

Deburring is accomplished by several methods. For personal deburring, you can buy abrasive cloths (made out of metal or sand paper) and use this to rub against the burrs. This method should only be used for small scale deburring, otherwise it may take you longer than your time is worth. Deburring can also be accomplished by grinding and repetitive filing. This method is faster, and should be used for larger areas of metal. You may also consider deburring with a company, which can handle large scale work. Another effective method for deburring is electropolishing. This method is very useful for polishing and deburring your work piece at the same time. When you have finished deburring, you should have a smooth, polished surface.

What is Deburring?

Deburring is the process that many metal manufaturers and handlers use as a finishing method to smooth surfaces and edges of metal. When metal is created or machined by molding, casting, and other process often time their are sharp and rough edges on the metal. This is usually unacceptable to most manufacturers and users of metal, as many times clean and smooth surfaces are needed to decrease friction, increase light reflection, and improve other favorable qualities. When metal is created and shaped to its desired model, the little bumps, sharp edges, and other rough spots are known as burrs. The process of removing these burrs is called deburring. It is a very common practice by most metal manufacturers and is essential to creating a fine finish on a piece of metal.