Vibratory Finishing Systems

Order Online or by Phone at (818) 885-6994

Vibratory Bowl, Tub & Tumbler Systems

Rhodes handles the widest variety of vibratory finishing systems.

A Vibratory finishing machine is an open-topped tub, round or oval bowl mounted on springs, usually lined with polyurethane, containing the workload of media and parts. Energy in the form of vibratory forces is transferred from the machine’s drive system to the mass of media and then to surfaces of the parts throughout the entire load. Vibratory motion is induced by an eccentric weight system mounted on a drive mechanism. Adjusting the degree of eccentricity (amplitude) and / or the drive speed (frequency) causes the unit to shake in a controlled manner and create a rolling motion in the media / parts mass.

Vibratory finishing differs from tumbling barrel finishing in that the entire mass in a vibrator is in motion at the same time. In a tumbling barrel only the upper 15 to 25 percent—the slide zone—is in action at any one time. Parts are constantly subjected to a compressive scrubbing action which not only cleans, deburrs, rounds sharp corners, and smoothes surfaces imperfections, but also changes residual stresses in the parts—usually from tensile to slightly compressive. The vibratory machine can handle larger parts, remove moderate burrs more rapidly, is more readily automated, is easier to operate, cleaner, and achieves more abrasive action in recessed area of components. Process cycles are much shorter than those in a tumbling barrel.