Finishing in nature). Some sort of motion is then imparted to this mixture which causes the media and parts to slide/ rub or dash against each other thus giving the cutting or polishing or cleaning effect as per requirements. To get optimum finishing results, it is important to choose the right media and the right equipment for the process.

The most popularly used finishing machines are:
• Tumbling barrels – These are in the shape of barrels and are typically in a horizontal position. When switched on they have a motion that tumbles the ingredients together. Small sized ones are generally mounted on benches whereas those with large capacities are fixed up on the ground. They are ideally suited for aggressive and rough cutting operations.
• Vibratory tubs – These are tubs that have a vibrating motion when switched on. They are used for gentler operations.
• Blasting machines – These are used sometimes where small to medium media are blasted on to parts by some sort of pressure release mechanism.

How are metallic parts finished in an exclusive manner? This is done with specialized machines called Metal finishing equipment. These systems are good to give fast and uniform finishes; they are adapted well for purposes of plating, giving decorative- finishes and even for the cleaning of components. Deburring of panels made of metals and circuit boards are other areas where this equipment finds application. The two main types of systems under this category are wet systems and mechanical systems. Cleaning and deburring ops with chemicals, silver and tin immersions along with micro etching and plating are best done using wet systems. Deburring of circuit boards using media, to give various textures on metal surfaces, to clean up tiny parts and to remove decorative paints, mechanical systems are ideal.

Plastic media as the name itself suggest is made from plastic. They come in pre-formed shapes; they are made from different density plastics to suit a variety of applications ranging from gentle to aggressive. This media is much less in weight when compared to ceramic media and hence are used in all those areas where there is a risk of damage to the parts that require finishing – for instance a fibreglass piece. A single shaped media is employed for pieces that have a simple geometric structure but a complex structure calls for plastic media that is a mix of different shapes.

Technorati Tags: Benches, blasting machines, Corrosion, Decorative Finishes, Horizontal Position, Loaded, Metal Finishing Equipment, metallic parts finished, Mixture, Optimum, Principle, Release Mechanism, Shape, single shaped media, Surface Properties, tumbling barrels, vibratory tubs