Metals are world renowned for the aesthetic appeal of their smooth, shiny appearances. Their surfaces are ideal for sleek, innovative, and modern looks.
However, despite what some may think, metals are not created equally and they are definitely not as perfect as they look. In fact, because they are so frequently machined, many metals are flawed with a slew of ragged edges and protrusions called “burrs.”
Such burrs are often created following machine operations such as engraving, drilling, grinding, milling, or turning.
There are three classifications of burrs formed from such machine operations: breakout (tearing of material from original work piece), roll over (bending of material), and poisson (material deformation). Another sub classification of burrs is flash (excess metal commonly found in die casting/forging due to extreme pressures).
Sometimes these burrs can be extremely dangerous, especially when handled incorrectly. They can cause a variety of injuries that are counted as additional expenses to construction companies.
Additionally, they may be obtrusive to mechanical functioning. For example, burrs found in drilled holes allow for a dangerous amount of stress to gather at the edges.
This increases submission to fracture, shortens fatigue life, and creates difficulty in fastening materials together. In turn, damage to assembly occurs and this becomes yet another construction company loss.
Still more burr issues include cracking, straining, material failure, corrosion, static discharge, hazardous and unexpected friction and heat, as well as problems with proper metal lubrication.
Smoothing Things Out
In order to rid metals of their dangerous, costly, and unappealing burrs, industrial specialists turn to a process called “deburring,” a finishing method used in manufacturing that eliminates ragged edges and protrusions for optimum smooth finishes.
Deburring is accomplished through a variety of methods. Abrasive substances and clothes may be rubbed onto burred metal to remove thin shavings, small notches, and to provide an overall polished shine to the piece. Another method is to simply sand, either by hand or with a sanding machine.
Other deburring methods involve filing and refilling or using a grinder to smooth away all nicks, dents, protrusions, and fragments. Because burrs appear on seams and edges, multiple deburrings on sections of metals are necessary until all surfaces are completely smoothed out.
However, the most popular and cost efficient method of deburring is the use of a manual deburring tool. A simple deburring tool with a swivel head, metal handles, and universal blades is favorable because it allots time for instant metal inspection in addition to its flexibility and affordability.
Different deburring tools are used for different kinds of metal. There is a specific deburring tool made for steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and cast iron, and even for wooden and plastic materials.
Deburring is a necessary process as it vastly improves the quality, appearance, and functionality of metal pieces – features that consumers look for in their metals.
Deburring Tools: In Stores Now
Several manufacturers offer deburring products. Online stores such as deburringtools.com, osh.com, fastenal.com, amazon.com, and reidsupply.com provide a variety of deburring tools differing in quality, make, and price.
Reid Supply, which has been in the industry since 1948, actually tenders a disposable burring tool for $3.16. Consisting of a single heavy duty E-100 blade and handy pocket clip, it easily removes burrs on steel or aluminum.
Another option is the Double-Header Versa/Burr tool, which comes in a set for $9.70. The set comes with a durable handle, two standard B-10 and B-20 blades, and a reversible double-header telescoping blade.
Reid Supply
For the deburring newbies, Reid Supply sells the Zip/Burr Starter Kit for $15.40, which comes with a plastic handle, “B” and “E” series blade holders, and one each of B-10, B-20, B-30, E-100, E-200, and E-300 blades.
Deburring Tools offers a wide variety of different deburring tools. Consumers can choose the P-1 light duty universal blade, which comes in a quantity pack of ten.
There is also the coated Titanium Nitride (TiN) blade that comes in P-1 or P-2 and ensures longer blade life application. This burring tool also comes in a quantity pack of ten. Still another option is the R-10 burring tool featuring an extra heavy duty universal blade that tackles steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc. The R-10 comes in a pack quantity of five.
Amazon.com sells General Tool 482, which features a swivel head, five inch aluminum handle, two interchangeable blades, and manageability at a light weight of 9.1 grams and a length of 9.75 inches. Online users continue to write raving reviews about this burring tool.
It has been described by one user as being sturdy and well-built. Another user claims that it is a perfect DIY burring tool that is easy to use and has a smart, sharp blade. Going for an affordable $9.65 with Free Super Saver Shipping, General Tool 482 sets the bar in the manual burring tool industry.
Orchard Supply
Orchard Supply Hardware almost outdoes its competitors with its $7.59 General Deburring Tool. The instrument comes with a pivot blade to allow for easy burr removal and comes insured with a replacement blade in its hidden storage handle.
It is best used for removing burrs from cut pipe, tubing, conduit, and PVC tubing. Precision temper blades promise shaving ease and even feature a quick release for quick blade replacement.
Fastenal
Fastenal, however, takes the affordability cake. The B10 HSS Blade for use with steel aluminum and Copper costs a staggering (or not so staggering) wholesale price of $2.00.
Manufactured by SHAVIV/VNE, it is made with High Speed Steel and is perfect for removing spiral chips in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The E100 HD HSS, also by SHAVIV/VNE, follows at $2.55 for use on aluminum sheets. The E200 HD HSS Deburring Blade for Brass and Cast Iron also sells at $2.55.
Conclusively, burring tools are essential when working in industrial and manufacturing settings and environments. Companies save themselves a great deal of trouble by caring for burred metals right away.
When it comes to choosing the right burring methods and burring tools (as with any consumer purchase) the best way to approach the situation is with thorough research and a trial and error of products to find those that are more suitable for the company’s purpose.e