Deburring Aluminum Slots

Selection of media shape and size is critical when trying to deburr slots and holes. The material type (i.e., aluminum, steel, plastic) is also important in identifying the proper type of media. The part pictured above (machined on left; tumbled on right) required complete deburring of the part, decent edge rounding and a uniform surface finish. The customer's next step in the process was to create a dull, anodized finish.

The part contained a variety of geometric features including approximately 1/4" wide x 1/4" deep slots, both large a small holes, square interior corners and radiused edges. The finished part was vibratory tumbled with general purpose (KX bond) 1/4" x 1/4" Plastic Pyramids. This shape and size of media was selected in order to get into the corners of the slots and result in a uniform surface finish across the part including interior corners.

The general purpose media resulted in a dull surface finish ideal for creating a matte, anodized final surface. If a brighter anodized finish was specified, a secondary polishing step in a vibratory tumbler would be improve the results.