Removing burrs and sharp edges from metal components

We have been handling tubing orders of varying sizes for many years. As a result, we have the experience we need to deliver the best products. Our speciality is the ERW tube. From square, to oval, rectangular to round, we have tubes available to suit all manner of requirements.

Metal parts aren’t always ready to use

You need metal parts to create all kinds of products. The thing about them though is that they are not always ready for use straight away. Numerous items, regardless of the manufacturing method, demand additional processing. You can’t ship or assemble otherwise. Deburring, also called burr removal, is a necessary step for metal finishing. It can be very important for ERW tubes in particular.

There are many ways you can remove burrs and sharp edges from metal components. We will discuss some of these methods, as well as deburring itself, here.

What is it?

ERW tubeManufacturers use several operations to transform metal blanks into final components like tubing. Said operations can leave edges and seams of metal with protrusions. These edges are imperfections called burrs. The process we need to remove them is known as deburring. As well as being ugly, metal burrs negatively influence safety. It is the same for your product’s functionality and complete quality.

If there are small notches, they can cause moving components to catch. This increases the chances of production delays and accidents. Sharp edges present a safety concern to anyone handling the parts too. Furthermore, having burrs present interferes with other finishing procedures.

Should you leave them be, metal burrs can produce potentially expensive issues. With deburring, you can ensure the functionality and quality of components. If you need top tier ERW tube products, please let us know.

What methods can I use?

Now, we will talk about the specific methods you can use to remove burrs and sharp edges. It is a fact that you can use multiple procedures for deburring. Yet, they are not all equally as applicable or effective to every case.

Manual deburring is one of the most common options you can use. You can dispose of burrs by hand with the right tools. This is a cost efficient and flexible method. You will need to invest a lot of time though. As a result, it is inappropriate for finishing a large amount of parts.

The next method is known as thermal deburring. It makes use of a combustive reaction to burn the burrs away inside a sealed chamber. With this technique, you can rapidly target burrs on a multitude of surfaces and pieces at once.

There is also electro mechanical deburring. It is possible to dissolve metal burs by using an electric current together with a glycol or salt solution. This is a useful strategy for compact, precision pieces and is great for difficult to reach spaces.

One other option would be vibratory finishing. For softer metal components, this is a less aggressive but extremely efficient deburring practice. It consists of you placing the part within a vibrating bowl or rotating barrel that has a mixture of abrasive and liquid components. Examples include steel finishing, plastic, or ceramic media. When the machine rotates, your material will rub against the part in a corkscrew motion continuously. This is to remove the imperfections and sharp edges.

There are plenty of options here if you need ERW tube

At Union Steel Tubes, we do everything we can to supply customers with the ideal products. In addition to offering various sizes and shapes, we provide distinct finishes. This includes deburring, as well as zinc and chrome plating options. Therefore, you will have plenty of choice when you look at our merchandise.

If you are planning to use ERW tube for any application, contact us today. We can offer advice and ensure you select the right products.