Thermal deburring is a method of removing burrs from machined or die cast parts using a brief blast of intense heat. It is the best, if not the only, process for removing burrs from difficult to access areas in parts, such as inside drilled holes. Thermal deburring is effective for all types of metal (except magnesium), as well as some kinds of plastics.
Thermal Deburring Providers
- Arrow Cryogenics provides a wide range of deflashing, deburring, and finishing services for close tolerance, precision components in metal, plastic, and rubber. The company uses state-of-the-art equipment and innovative techniques to deliver perfectly finished parts.
How Thermal Deburring Works
In thermal deburring, burrs are removed by exploiting the difference in mass between the main portion of the workpiece and its burrs. The workpiece is first sealed in a closed, sealed chamber. A precise mixture of combustible gas and oxygen is introduced to the chamber, then ignited, creating combustion temperatures up to 3500°C. This instantaneous blast of heat, lasting only a few milliseconds, is sufficient to raise the temperature of the burrs past their ignition point, which causes them to burn away completely. The remainder of the workpiece is briefly heated but remains otherwise unscathed.
Why Use Thermal Deburring?
The thermal deburring process is one of the best ways to deburr parts and components where surface quality or other aesthetic considerations are of high import. Because thermal deburring uses no implements to remove unwanted material, the surface of the workpiece will not be scratched or damaged in any way. Using combustible gas as the deburring tool also ensures that the entire surface of the workpiece is processed. No areas of the component are inaccessible and, therefore, no burrs are missed.
Other Considerations
Thermal deburring is unique in its ability to remove unwanted material without damaging or otherwise affecting the remainder of the workpiece. Burrs and flash are quickly and efficiently burned completely away, but there is little to no effect to the bulk of the component being processed. In some instances, negligible dimensional and metallurgical changes may occur.
