Using Deburring to Increase Manufacturing Productivity

In life consistency proves to be a key of success. Boring, yet repeatable actions managed over time are one of the best ways to keep things, processes and people functioning at their best. This is true for the most basic of human activities from brushing teeth to moving the body to keep it healthy and nimble. Other working items also benefit from consistent processes. In a manufacturing facility, routine maintenance is an essential part of operations and maintaining productivity.

The importance of observing a maintenance schedule in a manufacturing facility cannot be overstated. Every piece of machinery contains a multitude of moving parts and with complexity comes the potential for stresses. Each piece has a different life span and because of that, there is some expectation of failure during its lifetime. Knowing this, operations and facilities personnel are always on the lookout for ways to improve and lengthen the amount of life a part and/or machinery can provide.

Maintenance Schedule

Having a schedule for service and maintenance is necessary for everything from the HVAC system and the lifts below and everything in between. It’s a mammoth task that’s mission critical, especially when you consider the expense of unexpected breakdowns and downtime. The balancing act becomes even more complicated when you consider each part and every machine is on a slightly different schedule.

Because of this, there is some level of estimation involved. Should the person tasked with maintenance follow the manufacturer’s suggested length of time, should they implement something unique to the manufacturer or do they roll the dice, so to speak, and see how much life a part or machine has? A scheduled maintenance approach means there will be some element of life left in the part, which to some can feel like leaving money on the table.

Deburring is Good Maintenance

One process that can add to the life of machines throughout the manufacturing plant is deburring. Regular deburring of gears and sprockets can extend the life of a machine. Deburring using silicon carbide and diamond brushes can remove the troublesome burrs that can keep a machine from functioning at its best. The removal of sharp pieces of metal and hard plastic also benefits those working on the machines. Burrs left in place can dislodge and end up falling into machinery seams and can cause cuts and bruises in those working with the machinery.

Deburring Machines

Cleveland Deburring Machine Company (CDMC) specializes in the deburring of gears and sprockets. CDMC offers many machines for nearly any gear application.

Model 5000 – deburrs parallel-axis gears with consistent, repeatable results

Model 1220 – uses a large diameter nylon radial brush for ring gears up to 15” in diameter

Model 3000 – perfect for standard bevel gears up to 48” in diameter

OLS Series – used for pump gears, can deburr the gear profile on both surfaces in one rotation

For information on a deburring machine to fit your manufacturing needs or for a free evaluation, contact CDMC today at (216) 472-0200!