BEL AIR FINISHING SUPPLY INC. has developed the AutoHone, a state-of-the-art, automated reverse-drag finisher for precision deburring of critical engineered parts.
Deburring is the process of removing small raised edges or pieces of metal (burrs) from the surface of a part, typically seen in metal, machined parts. Traditionally, hand deburring and/or batch deburring are used to remove burrs. However, hand deburring can be time-consuming and is susceptible to human error, driving up labor costs.
Traditional deburring machines have problems, too. Tumblers and centrifugal disk finishers can be excellent ways to deburr batches of parts, however part-on-part collision can be a problem: it can cause part defects when two or more free-flowing parts collide and scrape/chip each other's surfaces. In order to avoid this, finishing machines are available that secure parts while also providing deburring, polishing, and an automated process.
Unlike traditional drag finishing, reverse-drag finishing rotates the finishing media instead of the parts. It then dips parts into the flowing media, which is held in a rotating bin.
The AutoHone combines this process with robotic automation, for a turnkey approach to deburring, polishing, cleaning, and drying.
The robot arm is capable of motion in five axes, meaning, parts can be inserted into finishing media at unique angles customized to achieve specific finishing specifications.
Following the finishing process, the robotic arm treats the part at an optional ultrasonic cleaning station, and also can dry the part in the optional drying station before placing the part back into the tray.
The AutoHone is capable of processing parts in as little as five seconds.
It also can extend the life of cutting tools by up to 300%, according to the developer, for both coated and uncoated parts. Tool honing with the AutoHone reduces friction for cutting tools by removing microscopic burrs and sharp edges, establishing a surface to which coatings can adhere to better.
When pre-coated pieces are honed, the AutoHone removes microscopic irregularities on part surfaces. — irregularities that occur when coating is unevenly distributed across the part’s surface. Removing these irregularities reduces the friction of cutting tools on surfaces and increases the cutting speed.
The AutoHone has been used to process medical and surgical components, automotive parts, aerospace parts, firearms, machined parts, and 3D-printed parts.
Learn more at www.belairfinishing.com