This is how the sheet metal process benefits from automated deburring

Customers like to specify deburring because they benefit from this process step. In addition, in-house production has many benefits when employing automated deburring for sheet metal parts. We will tell you all about it in detail.

Sheet metal edges should be deburred and rounded; depending on the application, this might already be specified in the drawings. This is because the burrs - sharp metal residues on the edge of the sheet metal can cause interferences and damage. This not only applies to the final product, but also the entire sheet metal process.

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Automated deburring outperforms manual work by a long shot

The advantages of automated deburring compared to manual deburring are obvious. A modern sheet metal deburring machine works about four times faster than skilled workers with angle grinders. The return on investment can be achieved after only 500 working hours using automated deburring. At this scale, automated deburring is an attractive option, even for smaller companies. In addition, the system operates with repeatable accuracy and process reliability. This guarantees consistent high quality of the final products. In times of a shortage of skilled workers, it is also important that employees can devote themselves to more productive tasks.

Automated deburring also has advantages for employees in other aspects. After all, they must lift sheet metal parts, insert them into machines, stack or assemble them. If burrs are still stuck to the sheet metal edges, employees can get injured.

The effort involved in manual deburring and edge rounding is enormous: An average of 64 hours is required for 11 tons of material. Automated deburring can do this in only 10 hours.

Burrs scratch materials and tools

In addition, not only people, components and their surfaces also get damaged by burrs. This can occur when sheet metal parts are stacked on top of each other, scratching the surrounding parts. The same applies to forming: Straightening rolls and press brake tools wear considerably faster if they repeatedly come into contact with hard burrs. Here as well, automated deburring pays off big time.

Another step in the sheet metal process chain also benefits from deburring: Tools can be clamped and positioned much better if there are no protruding metal residues. This applies above all to milling, which is quite common for thicker plate materials.

Thin metal parts before and after deburring with the EdgeRacer®

Thick flame cut parts before and after deburring with the ARKU EdgeBreaker® 4000

Before and after samples of deburring by ARKU

A deburring machine can do more than just mechanical deburring

In addition to removing burrs, a deburring machine can also round the edges of sheet metal in the same step. The process chain also benefits from this, as people can injure themselves not only on the burrs, but also on sharp sheet metal edges. Automated deburring therefore ensures better occupational safety.

Rounded edges are also important for coating the sheet metal parts later on, as both wet and powder coatings show edge alignment: During crosslinking, the material pulls back on sharp edges. This leaves the sheet exposed to atmospheric oxygen and other influences at this point. This results in corrosion and damage. Certain standards, for example for steel construction or offshore applications, therefore require an edge rounding of 2 millimeters and more. This edge rounding helps to ensure that sheet metal parts are correctly coated.

In addition, it aids in coating as a deburring machine removes the oxide layer on the cut surfaces. Such an oxide layer is formed when oxygen is used as cutting gas. Although hard, it only adheres loosely to the base material. So when you apply the coating on this layer, it can quickly flake off. A weld seam then also becomes uneven or does not hold properly. You can easily eliminate this source of defects by using automated deburring.

Finishing module ensures satisfied customers

In addition to the sheet edges, a deburring machine also always processes the surfaces. That is why some systems contain their own finishing module. Thanks to automated deburring, you can make sheet metal parts look really good in the same production step.

Conclusion: A deburring machine can carry out several production steps, all of which are important for the sheet metal process chain. Automated deburring therefore makes an important contribution to productivity in sheet metal processing.