Centrifugal motion seems like a huge, complicated process to most of us, something we only discuss when talking about space travel or the earth’s rotation. In fact, this force is actually used fairly commonly in day-to-day life, especially in the field of finishing medias. For a long time, tumbling barrels and vibratory finishers dominated the metal finishing market. Now, however, high-energy finishing systems like centrifugal polishing have finally come of age, offering more efficient solutions to today’s advanced production machinery.
What is High-Energy Finishing?
High-energy finishing is basically any form of abrasive media-based parts finishing that uses more than the force of gravity to prepare parts. It uses centrifugal force and mechanical advantages to creating high polish applications, quick material removal, heavy radiusing, and more. The most obvious advantage of high-energy finishing is speed. These systems churn out parts up to ten times faster than the vibratory bowls or tubs of yesteryear.
Centrifugal polishing methods break down into four main processes, of which we’ll explore two of the most popular options. Although they’re still considered “niche” products, wider applications are delivering larger customer bases every year.
Centrifugal Disc
This method uses a rotating disc to spin parts and media mix within a stationary chamber. The process can be compared to a hurricane. Advantages of this method include being able to run unattended, allowing in-process inspection, and offering easy automation and quiet operation. This method also offers the most material handling and automation options. This method is not great for large parts, however, and is best utilized for small parts in high quantities. Examples include investment castings, small stamped or fine-blanked parts, and powdered metal.
Centrifugal Barrel
This method uses closes barrels mounted on a rotating turret. The rotation of the barrels creates high g tumble. This is the fastest batch process available, and barrels can be divided to prevent part-on-part contact, making it a relatively quiet method. However, it does require high loading and unloading labor and can be too aggressive for some parts. This method is best for parts requiring heavy burr or those that require relatively low microfinish. It’s great for forgings, castings, stampings, medical devices and implants, and dental components.
