Frost Vibratory Tumbler

A vibratory tumbler uses specialist abrasive media to automatically deburr and soften the edges of machined components. There are a number of different types of media kept in stock.

Usage Information

Nitrile Gloves You must wear nitrile gloves when working with parts in the tumbler.

Make sure there is fluid in the container

The tumbler works best with a small amount of tumbling fluid in the container - it doesn't need a lot, too much will stop it from working effectively - but it's important because it prevents hazardous dust from becoming airborne. The tumbling fluid is pre-mixed and is stored in the Morson Engine Room COSHH cabinet.

Over time the material can appear to dry out, this is usually because the fluid has settled to the bottom of the container or evaporated due to heat from the motor. Add a small amount of fluid (Approximately 100ml at a time) and let the tumbler run for a few minutes without your part in.

Timing

Don't expect your parts to be done in less than an hour. Tumbling takes a long time, especially if you are working with hard materials like steel. Always test the process fully before comitting to a batch, or come and check on your parts regularly.

For fully deburring hard steel parts expect to leave them tumbling for 6-8 hours.

Tumbling is messy

Wear nitrile gloves when you are working in and around the tumbler. The slurry that is produced is messy and may stain your skin for a while because it contains very fine abrasive media, and the tumbling fluid may cause skin irritation. You will need to thoroughly clean your parts after tumbling, especially if they are going on for further processing like anodising or plating.

Deburring and corner rounding

You may find your parts come out with softer edges than when they went in - this is an expected part of the tumbling process. You can try to experiment with different media types and different tumbling durations.

Tumbler Media

We store tumbler media in a number of plastic bins under the tumbler bench. If you change the tumbler media the tumbler tub must be cleaned thoroughly before introducing the new media.

The current media type is indicated by a plastic hanger around the lid of the tumbler.

C115 - Pre-polish Plastic Cones

Frost Restoration

Aggressive, but suitable for aluminium and brass. Leaves a faily even, bright surface suitable for polishing media.

C116 - Ceramic Triangles

Frost Restoration

Ceramic media is best suited for deburring steel and iron parts. Fine threads and delicate features may be peened over or damaged by ceramic media and it will remove rust. Gives a dull finish.

C125 - Grey Rust Cutting Media

Frost Restoration

Excellent at removing rust, paint, and plated coatings.