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If desired or not, when you deburr sheet metal, you will always process the surface as well. Hence, if the deburring machine is already processing the surface – why not consider applying an actual surface finishing as well?
A deburring machine processes the entire sheet metal that is passing through, even though the burrs may only occur on the edges. Due to the design, it is inevitable that brushes or abrasive belts leave marks on the sheet metal surface. This is especially true for materials made of stainless steel or aluminum. These metals do not corrode because they are often finished without paint or other coatings. In cases, where the surface is clearly visible, trim parts affect the overall appearance of a product.
For this reason, the materials have some surface texture after deburring process - whether intended or not. However, a deburring machine cannot produce all the surfaces as required by the DIN standards. For obvious reasons: To begin with, the main function of a deburring machine is to remove burrs from sheet metal. These occur on the edges and not on the entire surface.
Ultimately, after deburring, it comes down to personal preference. Some operators and customers are satisfied with the material surface when it exits the machine. For others, this is not suitable. In those cases, it makes sense to add a finishing module to the deburring machine. Depending on the model, it is possible to integrate these modules later on. Operators can thus respond flexibly to the changing demands of their customers. These options ensure that the investment in a deburring machine pays off.
“A deburring machine affects the entire sheet metal that is passing through. Even if the burrs only occur on the edges. Due to the design, it is inevitable that brushes or abrasive belts leave marks on the sheet metal surface.”
Andreas Hellriegel, Head of Business Development, ARKU Maschinenbau GmbH
After completing the deburring and edge rounding process, the deburring machine continues with the finishing processing step. Brushes and optionally an abrasive belt have already worked the edges and the surface. They have also removed burrs or material splatters. This is an important prerequisite to achieve the best results.
The finishing module features one of our deburring tools, a fine grit finishing belt, finishing fleece or rotary brushes. The finishing belt or finishing fleece is typically passed around two rollers, so that it specifically targets the metal surface. That way, operators will achieve a uniform and appealing graining appearance. Professionals call these lines a “grained” finish. However, these results can also be accomplished without any brushes. Therefore, it is important that the grain direction suits the downstream installation. With rotary brushes however, operators can achieve a non-directional finish. The result would be a matte finish. During circular motion, the brushes process the metal surface multiple times from various directions.
Before deciding on a finishing solution, let us take a closer look at the entire process. If you still need to bevel or weld the sheet metal after deburring, or outfit them with injection nuts, then visual appearance is at risk. Any further processing can cause damage to the material, such as scratches. That can ruin the appealing optics of the entire surface finish.
If flexible processing is required, operators should also consider other features of the deburring machine. It is for example, possible to turn the finishing module on or off. Thus, the machine can also process other jobs. Even if no finishing is required, processing will become more cost effective. When a customer requests a different type of finish, the abrasives can be changed quickly and easily. At last, an integrated dust extraction ensures that the deburring machine operates safely. “Plug-and-play” solutions are possible without the need of any additional hook ups.
More contributions
Consistently rounded sheet metal: Five reasons to round edges
The capabilities of a deburring machine are versatile
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