Trowalizing
- DeSta::Microcut
What is trowalizing?
Trowalizing is an industrial process for surface treatment. It is also known colloquially as vibratory grinding or vibratory cutting. Metallic workpieces are usually processed. During barrel finishing, the workpieces, the abrasive media and a special additive, known as a compound, are placed in a rotating drum or vibrating trough. The rotation or vibration causes the workpieces and abrasive media to move against each other. The added compound captures the chip removal and dissipates it. DeSta::Microcut offers barrel finishing of metal workpieces.
What are the advantages of barrel finishing compared to other surface treatment processes?
Efficiency
The simultaneous barrel finishing of many small parts in the barrel or trough enables the processing of a large number of workpieces in one process step.
Gentle processing
The process ensures gentle processing. Therefore, even more sensitive workpieces can be trowalized.
Flexibility
Different surface qualities can be achieved by varying the type of abrasive media and compound.
Cost-effectiveness
The process is automated, which minimizes personnel costs. In addition, the grinding wheels and compound have a long service life.
Which surface treatments can be achieved by barrel finishing?
The friction between the workpieces, the abrasive media and the compound ensures that excess material is removed from the workpieces. This makes it possible to round off sharp edges through the continuous sanding process.
In addition to reworking the cut edges, it is also possible to finish the surfaces by barrel finishing with abrasives.
For which materials is barrel finishing suitable?
A variety of materials are suitable for barrel finishing. In the metals group, these are often workpieces made of steel or stainless steel, copper, brass, titanium and alloys thereof. The barrel finishing of aluminium workpieces is also common. Depending on its composition and hardness, plastic can also be processed by barrel finishing. For example, the materials polyamide, polyamide mixtures and thermoplastic polyurethane can be barrel finished by mass finishing.
What else should I know about trowalizing with DeSta::Microcut?
DeSta::Microcut is your expert for precise workpieces. By using cold and hot cutting technologies(fine laser cutting, water jet cutting and wire erosion) and other processing options such as milling, bending and laser marking, we cover a diverse spectrum for the production of precision-cut parts. In combination with barrel finishing, workpieces with high-quality and burr-free edges are produced.
The company implements sophisticated projects ranging from individual one-offs for prototypes to small and medium-sized series. The focus is on fine details and high quality in order to achieve the best possible results.
Do you need a reliable and punctual service provider for high-quality precision parts? Get in touch with us!
Which machines and media are used for barrel finishing?
Depending on the application, different devices or media are used for barrel finishing. Trowalizers usually consist of a rotating container filled with the workpieces and polishing media. As an alternative to the rotating container, trowalizing devices with vibration are also available. The grinding and polishing process is created by the rotating or vibrating movement of the workpieces and media against each other.
The choice of abrasives and polishing media is decisive for the quality of the result. Abrasives for barrel finishing differ in their composition, hardness and shape. The choice of polishing medium also depends on the material and the desired surface result. The most important media used include
Ceramic beads
The abrasive is very hard and is particularly suitable for deburring and pre-polishing.
Plastic media
Polishing media made of plastic are softer than ceramic and are often used for fine grinding and polishing.
Natural media
Materials from nature, such as nutshells, pieces of wood or corn grit, are particularly suitable for sensitive materials and ensure matt surfaces. Trowalizing with stones is also possible. Natural media are used for special applications that are not common with DeSta::Microcut.
Polishing pastes and creams
These additives, also known as compounds, are often used in combination with abrasives.
How does the choice of abrasive medium affect the result?
When vibratory finishing or barrel finishing stainless steel, for example, the choice of grinding medium has a strong influence on the end result. The surface quality, dimensional accuracy and processing time to be achieved largely determine the choice of grinding medium. A surface roughness in the range of Ra 0.025 µm and less is possible through surface treatment. This surface roughness corresponds to an exceptionally smooth finish and is relevant for precision components in the aviation industry and medical technology, among others. Depending on the selected medium, there is a certain removal rate and therefore a processing time that is required to achieve the desired result or tolerance.
What post-processing is possible after trowalizing?
Trowalizing is used to smooth the surface of a workpiece, remove burrs and achieve a uniform surface roughness. The specific requirements of the end product determine which finishing operations are necessary after barrel finishing. The following finishing processes are possible:
- Cleaning: Cleaning is used to remove residues from trowalizing and can be done by rinsing and drying.
- Drying: To avoid corrosion in susceptible materials, thorough drying after barrel finishing is important. A dry workpiece is also required for subsequent processes such as bonding or coating.
- Passivation: Passivation is required for certain materials to increase corrosion resistance. This is necessary after barrel finishing mild steel, for example.
- Coating: Various coating processes such as electroplating, powder coating or painting are used to protect the surface or to decorate or change the surface properties.
- Degrease: To ensure good adhesion, the surface must be degreased frequently before coating or bonding.
- Polishing: Additional polishing is used when high-gloss surfaces are required.
Can barrel finishing be used for delicate parts or complex geometries?
Trowalizing is an effective process for deburring, smoothing and cleaning surfaces and is also suitable for delicate and complex parts. There is a certain risk of damage to delicate workpieces or thin-walled parts, as the grinding effect can cause deformation.
