Job shops and contract manufacturers rarely process the same parts day after day. One contract might involve precision-machined components, while the next calls for plastic components. Each job can bring different finishing requirements, production quantities, and deadlines.
Finishing equipment needs to be just as versatile as the shop itself. Centrifugal barrel finishing machines from Mass Finishing help job shops deburr, radius, and polish a wide variety of parts while reducing reliance on manual labor or outside finishing services.
Deburr, Finish, and Polish Parts with One Machine
Many manufacturing operations require some form of secondary finishing before parts are ready. Machining can leave burrs around drilled holes and milled edges. Stamping can create sharp edges. Casting and welded components may need additional surface refinement. When these operations require manual attention, finishing can consume valuable labor hours and slow down production.
Centrifugal barrel finishing offers an alternative by processing multiple parts in a batch. Depending on the application, an HZ-Series machine can remove burrs, round sharp edges, smooth surfaces, or produce a polished finish. Operators can adjust the media, compound, processing time, and barrel speed to achieve the results required for each job.
For job shops, this versatility means one machine can potentially support several finishing operations across different contracts. Instead of relying on separate processes for every finishing requirement, manufacturers can evaluate whether a single piece of equipment can handle multiple applications.
Adapt to Changing Jobs and Production Volumes
A finishing process that works for one contract may not be appropriate for the next. Job shops need equipment that can accommodate these changing requirements without making every new contract a completely new challenge.
MFI’s centrifugal barrel finishing machines can be configured for different applications by adjusting the finishing process. Barrel dividers can also create separate compartments to help protect parts from part-on-part contact during processing.
Whether a shop is handling a small batch of precision-machined components or a larger quantity of stamped parts, the right machine and process can help accommodate different production needs. The key is matching the equipment and finishing recipe to the parts being processed.
Bring More Finishing Work In-House
Outsourcing finishing operations can introduce additional scheduling considerations. Parts may need to leave the facility, wait for an outside supplier, and return before the next manufacturing step can begin. These extra steps can complicate production planning and limit control over delivery schedules.
Bringing deburring and polishing in-house can give manufacturers greater control. You can decide when finishing takes place and how it fits into the overall workflow. It may also allow them to offer customers a more complete manufacturing solution, handling additional processing steps before parts leave the shop.
Of course, not every finishing application makes sense to bring in-house. Production volume, labor availability, part requirements, and equipment costs all factor into the decision. However, shops that regularly outsource similar deburring or polishing operations may benefit from evaluating whether those jobs could be completed internally.
Choosing the Right Machine for Your Job Shop
For job shops processing a variety of parts, MFI recommends considering the HZ-120 and HZ-160 centrifugal barrel finishing machines.
HZ-120: Flexibility Across Different Part Sizes
The HZ-120 features wide-diameter, deep barrels, making it a strong option for shops that process parts of varying sizes and geometries. Its barrel configuration provides flexibility when switching between different applications and contracts.
HZ-160: Capacity for Larger Batches
The HZ-160 features longer barrels, providing more room for parts along the length of the barrel. This makes it worth considering for shops that need to process larger quantities of suitable components in a single batch.
The best fit depends on your production goals. MFI can help evaluate these factors to determine which machine is best suited to your applications.
Find the Right Finishing Process for Your Parts
At Mass Finishing Inc., our on-site test lab in Howard Lake, Minnesota, allows manufacturers to send us unfinished parts for testing. Our team evaluates the application and works to identify the right combination of machine, media, compound, processing time, and barrel speed to achieve the desired results.
And once a machine is purchased, you can utilize our test lab as many times as you’d like. Send any new parts into our lab and our team of experts will create a working process – free of charge!
Whether you’re looking to reduce manual deburring, bring outsourced finishing in-house, or expand your shop’s finishing capabilities, MFI can help you determine what’s possible.
Have parts that need deburring, radiusing, or polishing? Contact MFI to discuss your application and explore the right finishing solution for your shop.