What Is Centrifugal Barrel Finishing?
Centrifugal barrel finishing is a process that allows for precise finishing in a short span of time by employing G forces. It can be used on parts and components that require a higher level of finish.
What Is Centrifugal Barrel Finishing Used For?
Eaglemaster’s Minnesota-based centrifugal barrel finishing services are ideal for the following applications:
- High-value parts and components
- Parts with low micro-finish requirements
- Parts that require aggressive edge radiuses and material removal
- Parts that require a highly cosmetic appearance
- Parts which need to avoid surface damage due to part-on-part collisions
How Centrifugal Barrel Finishing Works:
In simple terms, the centrifugal barrel finishing process works a little like a rock tumbler, except the CBF process is much more powerful, fast and exact.
To execute a CBF project, first we’ll load the parts into the machine and follow it with tumbling media. The media used may be plastic, ceramic or natural, depending on what the part getting finished is made of and the level of finish we’re targeting.
After loading the barrel, we’ll cover it, lock it into place and start tumbling. Our machines run over 200 RPM and offer a faster, cleaner and more consistent finish than vibratory finishing. The actual finishing process may take less than an hour, allowing for a quick turnaround time.
Centrifugal Barrel Finishing (CBF) FAQs
- How is centrifugal barrel finishing different from vibratory finishing?
While vibratory finishing relies on micromotion at up to 1 G of force in a tub or bowl, the centrifugal barrel finishing process takes place in a closed and locked compartment, using 1 to 40 Gs of force, depending on your project’s needs. This can reduce the time it takes to finish a part from 24 hours to 45 minutes.
- What is harperizing?
Harperizing and the CBF process are one and the same. The term comes from the name of the company that invented the centrifugal barrel finishing method in the 1950s.
- Can centrifugal barrel finishing prevent part damage during processing?
Our centrifugal barrels are lined to prevent part-on-wall impact damage. We also employ barriers inside the barrels to stop parts from impacting each other. Eaglemaster’s highly trained team further reduces the chances of damage with their knowledge of media-to-part ratios and the speed settings needed for processing specific parts.
- Where can I find centrifugal barrel finishing services in Minnesota?
Located in Plymouth, Minnesota, Eaglemaster is ready to address all your centrifugal barrel finishing needs. Contact us for questions or quotes.
Key Process Advantages of CBF Over Vibratory Finishing
Benefits of our centrifugal barrel finishing services include:
- Achieving consistent smooth surfaces, including mirror finishes
- Addressing finishing challenges that standard vibratory machines are unable to perform
- Saving time and money by deburring and polishing parts in a fraction of the time that vibratory finishing takes.
Getting Started With CBF Services
Our Minneapolis, MN location is a centrifugal barrel finishing company you can rely on. We have all-in-one metal finishing solutions for services to support your manufacturing needs. Contact us today for a quote or to learn more about our CBF process.
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