Getting a Smooth Finish Using Corn Cob Media and Vibratory Compounds
Finishing media and finishing compounds can be defined as material that are used to remove sharp edges and burrs from parts to make them smooth and provide a good finish and polish effect. There are vibrators, tumblers and spinning machines among others that are used to produce the finish. The finishing media and compounds are used in these machines for varying periods of time to give the desired finish or polish.
Corn cob media come under the dry finishing media type. It is treated corn cob that is powdered to different dimensions depending on the finish requirements. They can be used to achieve very fine finishes in the 1 Ra range and meet any requirements for a decorative finish. Corn cob media is environment friendly as it is made from the hardened cob ring and is organic in nature. It has the advantage of being capable of use as tumbling and vibratory media and can absorb oils, grease and dirt. It can be used to dry parts while keeping their surface safe. Corn cob media also finds use as a burnishing grit for soft metals like brass and bronze. The weight and type of the part to be finished determine the size of the corn grit in the corn cob media.
The corn cob media are re-usable and long lasting as they do not break down easily. They are bio degradable and organic in nature; they can be burned. They are very clean and pose no environmental threats. They can be used effectively on plastics as well as metal surfaces for giving a good finish. They are capable of absorbing water and oils and are effective cleaners. They can be used even on parts with micro finishes as the corn cob media does not harm the surfaces. They are very cost effective too.
Vibratory systems impart a cutting and finishing action by vibrating the processing tub at certain speeds which causes the media or vibratory compounds to scrub against the parts. The scrubbing action in turn removes or cuts sharp edges and provides a smooth finish on the parts. The vibratory compounds can be used in places where precise finishing is required. For instance, to remove excess material embedded in the recesses of a bore, they can be used effectively. They can also be used on large surfaces without worrying about the surface safety as they are gentle even on delicate parts. By controlling the speed of the vibratory system, it can be used on smaller or larger surfaces. BC-300X is one of the wet vibratory compounds and is used for burnishing of parts. It is acidic in nature and can be used on all metals. It is very effective with steel media. It is super effective in cleaning and imparts a corrosion inhibitor for all metals. BC-320 is a wet burnishing compound that works well in vibratory machines. It is specifically for use on aluminium metal and produces a very bright finish. For more information on finishing media, go to http://gravcollc.com/