How to Choose The Right Tumbling Media

Although individual units may function differently, the basic functioning of tumbling finishing equipment is the same. The process of parts finishing with tumbling deburring or similar operations involves passing the components being finished through a certain kind of media, which then rubs against the components. This rubbing of parts and media polishes the parts, removing anomalies and creating a clean finished product. When it comes to parts finishing, the type of media used varies greatly, but there is no single best choice, leaving the choice of the right tumbling media up to the facility operator.

Ceramic and Plastic Tumbling Media

The right choice for tumbling media will depend very much so on the type of parts being finished and the machine that is doing the tumbling. Ceramic media is one of the most common types of tumbling media and is best used on hard metals and when heavy cutting is necessary. Ceramic media tends to be smaller than others as well, allowing it to work well in certain kinds of equipment. Plastic tumbling media is best used on soft metal, as they are less abrasive and less likely to damage the parts. Plastic media is also commonly used when other chemicals are needed or when a lighter media is best for the equipment.

Other Kinds of Tumbling Media

While ceramic and plastic are the most commonly used kinds of tumbling media, there are others used in more specific situations. Hardwood tumbling media can be used for both polishing and general finishing and often does so faster than some of the other kinds. Stainless steel, walnut shells, wood pegs, corn cobs, and dry process media are all viable forms of media as well. If you are uncertain about which kind of media is best to choose for your specific tumbling operation, we would be happy to work with you to recommend a media and find the right fit for you.

At Mikro Industrial Finishing, we supply many different kinds of tumbling media to meet the needs of the many companies in the manufacturing industries. No matter the type, we provide the best quality possible, partnering with the best brands in the industry to ensure we have exactly the right tumbling media for you. To learn more, feel free to call us any time at (860) 875-6357.