Vibratory Tumbler

Vibratory Tumbler Introduction & Information

Vibratory tumbler is ideal for small item deburring, polishing, cleaning, and burnishing.

It also called vibration tumblers, tumblers vibratory machine, vibrating tumbler, and vibratory media tumbler machines.

The most popular applications for tumble deburring machines are rock tumbling, jewelry polishing as well as bullet case refurbishing.

Inovatec has a desktop design small vibratory abrasive tumbler; sizes range from 10 liters, 12 liters to 17 liters.

Inovatec vibratory deburring tumblers are ideal for processing small batches of small parts.

It is a starter’s model when you don’t have much experience in vibratory finishing.

With the PU cover, vibratory noise can be reduced to a minimal level. The cover also prevents liquid and foam from sputtering.

Even though vibratory tumble deburring equipment is smaller in size, its low cost and high durability make it accessible in the small workshop and rock tumbling enthusiasts.

You can easily remove rust from bolts and nuts using light deburring media.

Plastic tumbling media is the best tumbler media for rust removal.

Also, you can remove unwanted paint from parts using a general cutting plastic media.

If you want to achieve a bright finish, you may use dry polishing media. As the metal tumbler machine is running, you can free your hand to do other tasks.

Besides, you can also make your small scale laboratory test with a vibratory tumbler bowl before industrial-scale production.

It is easy to set up the test and easy to clean.

The small vibratory deburring tumblers are available in both wet and dry processing.

The wet model is also called a burnishing compound tumbler.

They create aggressive deburring, mild smoothing to fine polishing with different types of vibratory tumbler media used.

The standard electrical power supply for the machine is 220V single phase 50HZ for most Asia and European countries.

We also have available 110V single phase 60HZ for the North American market.

Inovatec is a professional vibratory tumbler manufacturer in China.

We have over 20 years’ experience in vibration tumbling machine production.

We consistently develop new processes and tumbler polishing machines to improve your parts and reduce the cost.

Our ISO9001 certified machinery promised to have the top quality in China.

From the moment you contact us, you will receive excellent service with professional personnel, extensive industry knowledge as well as fast response.

Contact us today and get the instant quote now!

Vibratory Tumbler FAQ Guide

1. How does a vibratory tumbler work?

A vibratory tumbler is a mass finishing machine that is used to improve the surfaces of metal parts.

They improve surfaces by deburring, polishing, or even rounding edges on almost any type of metal parts using the appropriate media.

The machine improves the surfaces of metal parts to the required degree of tumble finishing by shaking its tub at a very high speed, hence the name vibratory tumbler.

The vigorous shaking produces friction among the parts, media, and compounds as they rub against themselves.

Its high speed of shaking allows surface improvement for big metal parts without damaging them.

The machine, when working, has a small orbit action; therefore, the process does not put much stress on the components being tumbled.

Vibratory tumbler machines come in a variety of sizes for different purposes.

You can get a bench-sized model for finishing small parts.

Also, you can get large ones for bulky and heavy metal parts.

These tumblers can be wholly automated to enhance minimal to no supervision.

Vibratory tumbler machines are used for batch parts finishing.

Through the use of appropriate media, vibratory tumblers clean metal parts’ pockets, surfaces, and cavities.

You can also remove projections from metal parts to your desired point.

Using a vibratory tumbler is super efficient compared to finishing metal parts by hand. You can use the vibratory tumbler for both wet and dry tumbling.

2. What is a vibratory tumbler used for?

An industrial vibratory tumbler is used to improve the surfaces of metal parts by shaking its tub at high speeds with minimal orbiting.

The process is economical and efficient when done correctly, that is, using the correct media and compounds (for wet tumbling).

A vibratory tumbler can be used to deburr metal parts both lightly and heavily.

Further, using the industrial tumbler machines, you can decide to polish your metal parts to have the sleekest look.

Polishing is mostly done dry (dry tumbling); metal parts, abrasive media, and a polishing powder or paste are used.

You can also improve the surfaces of metals by deflashing, spot cleaning, and even drying metal parts using organic media such as corn cob media or walnut shell media – both of which are excellent absorbers of impurities and oils.

3. What is the difference between a vibratory tumbler and a rotary parts tumbler?

To clearly understand the difference between a rotary and a vibratory tumbler, you’ll first have to understand their similarities.

Also, you’ll have to know how both systems operate.

Both the vibratory and rotary tumblers are used for mass finishing of metal parts.

Mass finishing means the ability of these machines to produce metal parts with improved surfaces in large quantities in an efficient way all at the same time.

Rotary finishing, also known as tumble or barrel finishing, finishes parts by spinning a horizontal barrel at predetermined speeds.

The barrel bears inside it metal parts, tumbling media and compounding agents, and sometimes water.

The predetermined speeds are what cause the tumbling action inside the barrel.

When the contents in the barrel tumble down, friction is created as these parts rub against each other and with the rotary tumbling media, creating the desired effect of abrading elements in mass.

The barrel is usually six-sided or eight-sided. The shape enhances the finishing process as the contents will be forced to rub against each other when the barrel spins.

A circular barrel would also be inefficient as the parts, abrasive media, and compounding agent would be carried at the bottom of the barrel without much-tumbling action.

The speed of the industrial barrel tumbler machine matters.

When the barrel spins too fast, centrifugal force will take action, and the parts, media, and compounding agent will get attached to the walls of the barrel.

Contrary to that, when the barrel spins too slowly, the process will take too long, and not much tumbling action will take place.

As such, the process is considered inefficient.

For barrel tumbling, speed is a primary factor that needs consideration.

Now, for vibratory tumblers, the tumbler operates by shaking contents vigorously in its bowl at predetermined speeds with minimal orbiting.

The vibratory action then creates friction in the parts in the bowl, when the parts rub against themselves.

Its high speed of shaking allows surface improvement for bulky metal parts without damaging them.

The process does not put much stress on the components being tumbled because of the minimal orbiting.

Now, vibratory tumbling is a more popular way of mass finishing, compared to barrel finishing today.

The main reason behind that is – barrel finishing spins its barrel with contents inside it.

These metal parts fall and rub against each other. The process increases indentation risks.

Vibratory systems are quite complex than barrel systems, which makes them more expensive.

They’ll, however, prove to be worth the cost as they complete finishing tasks faster than barrel systems.

Barrel systems, however, do not wear out media, compared to vibratory systems.

4. Is the process of finishing with a vibratory tumbler expensive?

The process of finishing metal parts should not be expensive if you follow the procedure of vibratory tumbling correctly.

You can decide to wet tumble or dry tumble, depending on your need. Mostly, dry tumbling is done to polish metal parts’ surfaces.

When tumbling, consider using the right abrasive media that will not harm your metal parts’ surfaces or reduce the size of your metal parts significantly.

For instance, consider using softer abrasive media for softer metals.

You can decide to tumble softer metal parts like brass and aluminum using softer abrasive media.

You can use plastic tumbling media for aluminum and for tumbling brass parts.

Although plastic will not give you the desired shiny look, it will not be as inflictive on your soft metal parts as compared to other abrasive media.

The good thing about plastic media is that it is widely used to finish metal parts nowadays.

Further, plastic does not crack nor chip, and it comes in different shapes, sizes, and angles.

For harder and heavier etal parts, consider using more robust media.

You can choose either ceramic or stainless steel media for harder metals such as titanium and steel.

These abrasive media are popularly used, so they should not be hard to buy at a subsidized price.

Also, when running the vibratory tumbler, set the appropriate speed that the bowl should vibrate, so that the process does not become uneconomical and inefficient.

Also, when using compounding agents, use the right amount.

Now, when you use too little compound, the abrasive media may harm your metal parts by over-rubbing them.

Again, when you use compounding agents in excess, it might overflow during the tumbling process.

5. What are the benefits of using a vibratory tumbler?

Today, the use of a vibratory tumbler is widespread.

As such, there certainly must be some advantages of using this type of tumbling technique despite the few drawbacks that it has.

Check out the following benefits of using the vibratory tumbler:

Vibratory tumblers, compared to rotary tumblers, have lesser mechanical movement compared to barrel tumblers, making them suitable for handling delicate and bulky parts.

The vigorous vibration is ideal for tumble deburring, descaling, and polishing metal parts within hours.

Also, since metal parts do not tumble and rub against themselves, vibratory tumbling has reduced the risk of indentation.

It is crucial that metal parts maintain their shapes. Once they become dented, they may bring miscalculations.

Such errors are costly and fatal.

Vibratory tumblers also work at a faster rate compared to other forms of mass finishing.

Now, depending on the degree of sleekness that you desire, the process can last for hours.

This is way faster than the traditional barrel tumbling, where the process would take days.

The most exciting fact about vibratory tumblers is that they come in different sizes to suit your needs.

You can tumble small and lighter parts using the bench-sized tumbler.

Also, you can tumble larger and heavier elements using the large vibratory tumblers.

The primary drawback of vibratory tumblers is their cost.

These industrial parts tumblers are very expensive compared to barrel tumblers.

Further, they are louder because of the vibrating action.

They also require attention during the grinding process.

6. Is acquiring a vibratory tumbler expensive?

Vibratory tumblers are more expensive than rotary tumblers.

The reason behind this is because these vibratory tumblers are more sophisticated in their operation than the rotary tumblers.

Now, vibratory tumblers’ acquisition price ranges depending on the size and purpose.

However, the cheapest goes below $1,000, and the most expensive one goes for $6,500.

Now, depending on what you want to use the machine for is what will determine if it will be expensive for you or not.

Make sure you follow the steps provided above for tumbling to make your process economical.

7. What is a vibratory tumbler’s bowl?

When a vibratory tumbler is at work, it shakes vigorously metal parts, deburring tumbler media, and a compounding agent.

The process is used to improve the surfaces of metal parts by grinding, polishing, deburring, and descaling.

All these processes take place in the vibratory tumbler’s bowl.

Its primary purpose is to hold these parts as the metal parts undergo mass finishing.

The bowl is designed to be strong enough.

It is further designed to withstand robust, abrasive media and also concentrated compounding agents without being corroded.

After some time, however, you will be forced to replace the metal bowl as it will wear out because of heavy and vigorous tumbling.

The vibratory tumbling process is a vigorous process that requires the machine to be at its peak performance at all times.

8. What are the factors you should consider when acquiring a vibratory tumbler?

Now, when acquiring expensive equipment such as the vibratory tumbler, there are three primary factors that you need to consider.

First, consider the size of the industrial tumbler.

The size of the tumbler will determine the capacity it can tumble.

Capacity in vibratory tumblers is measured in liters. The size of your vibratory tumbler will determine its capacity.

There are small metal parts, for example, bolts, nails, etc. which can be tumbled using a small vibratory tumbler.

Similarly, there are larger and bulky metal parts that are fragile that need tumbling.

Using a larger vibratory tumbler, together with the appropriate tumbling media, will be super-efficient and easier compared to other methods of surface improvement.

The second factor that you need to consider is the power consumption of the vibratory tumbler.

You should consider your electricity bill, should you run your tumbler in the basement of your house.

Also, consider the cost of your tumbling machine.

Vibratory tumblers cost more than rotary tumblers.

The reason behind the extra cost is the fact that vibratory systems are way sophisticated than rotary tumblers.

9. Can a vibratory tumbler also tumble rocks?

Yes. Vibratory tumblers can improve the surfaces of rocks, just as they do to metal parts.

So, you can use it as a professional rock tumbler with appropriate rock tumbling media.

They are often referred to as rock polisher machines.

The vibratory tumblers are widely used for tumble polishing rocks more than the rotary tumblers – they are way faster and do a better job.

Vibratory rock tumblers take more time to complete the tumbling process when compared to metal parts tumbling.

Now, this is where you need to choose your vibratory tumbling with a lot of caution. If you choose the wrong vibratory tumbler, you will suffer losses.

Rock tumbling, when done using a vibratory tumbler, can take one to three days to complete polishing well.

Since the process is quite lengthy, you’ll need to check your electricity bill and the cost of maintaining your tumbler.

The process of polishing rocks using vibratory tumblers cuts the process-time by half.

When using the vibratory tumbler for rocks, the process can take up to a whole week to complete.

10. What is the process of tumbling using a vibratory tumbler?

To effectively use a vibratory tumbler, you need to consider several factors.

Firstly, consider the metal parts that you want to tumble.

Are they hard or soft metal parts?

Afterward, consider the appropriate tumbling media (abrasives) that will tumble your metal parts.

For harder metals such as titanium or steel, you can consider using robust abrasives such as ceramic tumbling media or even stainless steel media to improve the surfaces of these hard metals.

For soft metals such as aluminum and brass, consider using synthetic tumbling media, as they are not too inflictive on your metal parts.

You can also use a compounding agent during the process for both hard and soft metals.

Place your metal parts, tumbling media, and compounding agent (for wet tumbling) on the vibratory tumbler’s bowl.

Make sure you use the correct amount of your compounding agent for tumbling your parts.

If you choose to use too little compound, your metal parts may get scratched by strong abrasives such as ceramic and stainless steel media.

Then, if you decide to use an excessive compounding agent, it will overflow.

Now depending on the level of the sleekness of your metal parts’ surfaces that you require, the process takes hours to complete.

If you decide to tumble with synthetic media, you will not get that shiny look on your metal parts.

Ceramic and stainless steel media will produce a shiny and sleek look on your metal parts.

The process is more efficient than using any other form of metal surface improvement.

11. What tumbling media does the vibratory tumbler use?

The vibratory tumbler, just like the rotary tumbler, uses different types of tumbling media.

For surface polishing of metal parts, ceramic and stainless steel tumbling media are widely used. For surface polishing, dry tumbling is mostly done.

The vibratory tumbler also uses plastic media to improve the surfaces of softer metal parts.

Plastic tumbling media is used on more delicate metal parts as it is not too inflictive on your brass or aluminum.

You do not want to use excessively robust media on your metal parts.

It is possible to tumble brass parts with ceramic media, though you’ll need to be extremely careful not to damage your metal parts.

Also, vibratory tumblers use organic media to improve the surfaces of metal parts by drying and absorbing impurities and oils.

Such organic media are corn cob tumbling media and walnut media.

The vibratory tumbler is an improved tumbler that uses the same media and compounding agents as the rotary tumblers.

To get the appropriate media, consider its shape, size, and angle.

These are what matter to make the process efficient and easy.

Synthetic media, ceramic media, and stainless steel media all come in different shapes, sizes, and angles so that they can reach the pockets and cavities of your metal parts.