Finishing media is used in the process of finishing of parts. When the parts are loaded into the finishing machines tumbling machines and vibratory finishing machines along with the media, they rub with each other. The media has an abrasive property which results in deburring, smoothing, polishing and cleaning of the parts. Finishing compounds may be used during the finishing process to enhance the effectiveness of the finishing media. Finishing media can be generally classified into two categories. One is natural media like corn cob media and walnut shell media. The other category is simulated media like plastic deburring media and ceramic finishing media.
Corn cob media is prepared by grinding the solid wooden ring of the corn's cob. It is prepared into an coarse grit that can flow smoothly. Because it is natural, the corn cob media is environment friendly. This media is appropriate for use with both tumbling and vibratory machines. It has immense absorbent properties which makes it perfect to clean and dry parts. Corn cob grit can soak up oils, grease, dirt and moisture without causing a score or damaging the surface of the parts in any way. It is exceptional for use as a burnishing agent and is used for burnishing of metals in tumbling machines. Metals such as brass and bronze which are soft in nature get the desired finish with this media.
The corn cob media grit comes from coarse variety to super fine assortment to suit a mixture of parts, based on their mass and nature. This media is strong and does not break down effortlessly; It can be reused again and again and it cost effective. It reduces the cycle time of finishing operations. It is clean and can be incinerated and poses no health or environment risk. It has a soft abrasive action and can be carefully used on frail components to safeguard micro finishes. It is successful on both metallic and plastic parts.
Walnut shell media is an additional popular natural finishing media. It is prepared by grinding walnut shells that are tough and fibrous into grit the grit sizes could be large or small based on the requirements. The nature of the parts plus the perforation size of the screen that is used to separate the parts from the media after the finishing process is over determine the grit size. Walnut shell media is also used in blasting machines apart from tumbling and vibratory machines. They are ideal to de-flash plastic parts and polishing and smoothing of metals like aluminium, bronze and brass.
Walnut shell media also comes in handy in oil drilling to prevent clogging during circulation and to impart anti-skid properties to paint which is used around swimming pools and walk ways. This media is angular and multi faceted. It lasts long and is reusable. Being natural, it is non toxic and environmentally protected. It is a soft abrasive that can uphold the primer coat while removing the top coat of paint from parts. It serves to expand the cycle time of the tumbling or vibratory finishing method.