Finishing parts with corn cobs and vibratory compounds

Finishing media are materials that are used in the finishing process to deburr, smooth, polish, clean and separate parts. The finishing media should have abrasive properties to be effective in the finishing process. There are natural finishing media like corn cob media as well as artificial finishing media.

Corn cob media is a natural finishing media which is made from the hard ring of the corn cob. The corn cob is broken down into grit of different sizes to cater to varying finishing needs. The weight and nature of the parts to be finished go into deciding the corn cob media grit size. For example, if the size of holes in the parts is small, then a corresponding grit size can be used. The grit size could vary from very coarse to very fine. This media has multiple uses. It is used with both tumbling and vibrating machines; it is a very good cleaning and drying media as it can absorb dirt and grime effectively without damaging the parts in any way. Corn cob media is also ideal as burnishing grit and works well on soft metals like bronze and brass.

The corn cob media is durable and can be reused repeatedly because it does not break down easily. The advantage of corn cob media is that it is environmentally friendly as it is bio-degradable. It can be incinerated and is harmless to health and the environment. It is a dust free and clean media which is also cost effective. It can be used for polishing of metal as well as plastic parts without damaging even fragile parts and micro finishes. They absorb oils and water very well.

Vibratory compounds are chemical compounds that are used in vibrating finishing machines. These compounds are used in conjunction with the tumbling media and the parts being finished. They can be dry or wet and can have acidic or alkaline properties based on the ingredients used to prepare them. The vibratory compounds have several functions they can fulfil. They help in increasing the lubrication or foam in the vibratory machine in order to give a powerful shine to the parts. This foam also provides a cushioning effect thereby helping to protect delicate components from getting damaged. The compounds increase the grinding effectiveness of the media being used. They can remove tough grease, oxide skins, scales and heavy dirt; they also emulsify and suspend the dirt that has been removed and prevent them from depositing back on the parts.

The vibratory compounds can be used to induce special properties like anti-rust and anti-corrosion. They also give additional polish and extra shine; they maintain the metal colour of the parts. A slightly acidic compound increases cutting speed and gives additional bleach. To get optimum performance from the vibratory compounds, the right compound should be chosen with either acidic or alkaline property. Also, the right amount of compounds should be added at the correct rate to the vibratory machine depending on the volume of the vibratory media being used.