Fundamentals of Machining Processes, 3rd Edition

12

  Mass Finishing Operations

12.1   INTRODUCTION

Mass finishing allows the mechanical or electrochemical finishing of many parts simultaneously. The process uses loose abrasives in which parts are tumbled in a specially designed tubs or barrels along with the abrasive media which may be organic, preformed metallic, ceramic, or resin-bonded plastic materials. Energy is imparted to the abrasive media mass by a variety of means to cause it to rub or wear away at part surfaces. Although by definition, the term mass finishing is used generally to describe processes in which parts move in a random manner throughout the abrasive media mass, as well as processes that utilize loose abrasive media to finish parts that are fixture. Preformed media range ...