Vibratory deburr (tumbling)

Vibratory deburring, or tumbling, places parts in a vibrating bowl or tub with abrasive ceramic, plastic or steel media and a liquid compound. The media rubs off burrs, breaks sharp edges to about 0.003–0.010 in (0.08–0.25 mm) and leaves a uniform satin surface. It runs hundreds or thousands of parts per batch, so cost per piece is low. It is standard for stampings and PM parts.

Add it to a part

Applies to: Stampings, machined parts, powder metal parts, die castings, and 3D-printed metal and nylon parts
Adds: 1 days
Cost: Low

Specs

Vibratory deburr (tumbling) specifications
Edge radius	About 0.003–0.010 in (0.08–0.25 mm) typical
Cycle time	30 minutes to several hours per batch
Media	Ceramic (cutting), plastic (soft metals, finer finish), steel (burnishing)
Batch size	Hundreds to thousands of small parts
Surface result	Uniform satin; fine media can lower roughness on flat faces
Watch-outs	Part-on-part impingement and media lodging in holes

Call out on the drawing

ISO 13715 (edges of undefined shape)
Drawing edge-break notes, e.g., 'Break edges 0.005–0.015 in; tumbling acceptable'

Common on

Questions

Will tumbling damage threads or tight tolerances?

It can round thread crests and sharp edges slightly, and parts can nick each other. Precision faces and fine threads may need fixtures, separators or a gentler plastic media. Tell the supplier which features are critical.

Can tumbling media get stuck in holes?

Yes. Media sized close to a hole or slot width lodges in it. Suppliers choose a media shape and size that either passes through or cannot enter, so flag small holes and slots on the drawing.

Vibratory deburring vs hand deburring?

Tumbling is far cheaper per part at volume and gives consistent edges. Hand deburring suits internal cross holes, large parts, and features media cannot reach. Many parts use both.