Info-Authority: Deburring

A burr is a sharp-edged notch that is formed at the edges and borders of welding seems and on metal pieces that are machine-cut or cast-molded. Deburring is the metal finishing process where a raw cut on the edge of a piece of metal is removed by rolling of filing.

Purpose of Deburring

Deburring is done for reasons of both functionality and safety. Moving machine parts, such as in a car engine, would cause serious damage if burrs were not removed. The burrs might damage other parts, or cause other internal damage and part failures as the burrs break off and move about within a machine's process. Deburring is also an important safety consideration, as sharp barbs can be knife-like and cut easily if left untreated.

Deburring Processes

There are numerous processes that can be used in deburring a piece of metal:

Grinding: Grinding refers to using friction with a rough surface to wear away and smooth burrs. Grinders use an abrasive wheel as a cutting device.
Brushing: Brushed metal typically uses sandpaper to abrade the surface of metal and smooth burrs. Brushing can also give metal a distinctive look, and is commonly used on stainless steel and nickel.
Chemical and Electrochemical: Chemical deburring uses chemicals to remove burrs, while electrochemical machining (ECM) is a method employed on extremely hard materials resistant to being deburred by traditional methods. ECM uses an apparatus that passes a high electric current between an electrode and the part being finished. The burrs are eroded away, and the process causes no thermal or mechanical stresses to the finished piece.
Abrasive flow machining (AFM): A technique that uses specially formulated abrasive laden polymers, AFM deburrs edges and areas that require finishing. The abrasive polymer uses water pressure to flow through shapes and passages to polish, deburr, and treat machined or cast molded parts when high quality surfaces are critical to strength, performance, and reliability of the parts' function. This is a more expensive process used in complex part geometries where more traditional deburring processes are not possible.

Combinations of the above procedures are also employed. Deburring typically requires the use of water as a lubricant for friction, and can also be accomplished using automated machines.

By Doug Vanisky




	Deburring A burr is a sharp-edged notch that is formed at the edges and borders of welding seems and on metal pieces that are machine-cut or cast-molded. Deburring is the metal finishing process where a raw cut on the edge of a piece of metal is removed by rolling of filing. Purpose of Deburring Deburring is done for reasons of both functionality and safety. Moving machine parts, such as in a car engine, would cause serious damage if burrs were not removed. The burrs might damage other parts, or cause other internal damage and part failures as the burrs break off and move about within a machine's process. Deburring is also an important safety consideration, as sharp barbs can be knife-like and cut easily if left untreated. Deburring Processes There are numerous processes that can be used in deburring a piece of metal: Grinding: Grinding refers to using friction with a rough surface to wear away and smooth burrs. Grinders use an abrasive wheel as a cutting device. Brushing: Brushed metal typically uses sandpaper to abrade the surface of metal and smooth burrs. Brushing can also give metal a distinctive look, and is commonly used on stainless steel and nickel. Chemical and Electrochemical: Chemical deburring uses chemicals to remove burrs, while electrochemical machining (ECM) is a method employed on extremely hard materials resistant to being deburred by traditional methods. ECM uses an apparatus that passes a high electric current between an electrode and the part being finished. The burrs are eroded away, and the process causes no thermal or mechanical stresses to the finished piece. Abrasive flow machining (AFM): A technique that uses specially formulated abrasive laden polymers, AFM deburrs edges and areas that require finishing. The abrasive polymer uses water pressure to flow through shapes and passages to polish, deburr, and treat machined or cast molded parts when high quality surfaces are critical to strength, performance, and reliability of the parts' function. This is a more expensive process used in complex part geometries where more traditional deburring processes are not possible. Combinations of the above procedures are also employed. Deburring typically requires the use of water as a lubricant for friction, and can also be accomplished using automated machines. By Doug Vanisky Related Links: Tube and Pipe Glossary Pipe and tube production company's glossary definition of deburring.