Burrs are defined as a protruding, ragged ridge or area of roughness. These rough ridges and edges can be produced in cutting, drilling, shearing or shaping of metal and some plastic products. Although often minute in size, these areas can cause significant problems for manufacturers and the industry at large. Deburring is the prescribed process to remove these ragged and rough areas safely and efficiently.

The process of deburring may seem straightforward, but the standards for how and how much these edges, ridges and areas of roughness should be deburred is not universally defined. This standard differs from plant to plant, manufacturer to manufacturer, and it’s also different from country to country. In short, there are lots of opinions and thoughts on deburring and how it should be done correctly in terms of allowable edge conditions.

While universal standards sound proactive, there are reasons why allowable edge conditions can differ from one plant to another. One reason is that the definition of “burr free” is dependent on the needs of the manufacturer. In one plant, “burr free” might be translated as what can be seen unaided by the human eye. At the other end of the spectrum lie standards that involve mitigating functional problems in assembly and total product quality inspections.

Variances in edge allowances must also consider the specific needs of the operation(s) and its workers. This includes assessing burr properties such as roughness, shape, thickness and location. Edge quality can also help mitigate issues in the end performance of a product and in its final appearance.

Manufacturers who are looking to streamline and improve processes can receive help from looking at common problems experienced – product assembly, mechanism jamming, increased wear on parts, improper seals and a range of safety concerns along the manufacturing line.

What is the allowable variance that will allow production to continue smoothly and without incident? Knowing is critical, especially when you consider the importance of supporting a facility that is free from unnecessary work stoppages and accident-free. Products also need to be safe for the end user.

As a trusted manufacturer of deburring products, CDMC is here to help our clients figure out edge allowances specific to the needs of its operations, staff and customers. Once allowances are locked in, the information can be written down and become a part of training and safety materials. Most importantly, this definitive answer will end the guesswork of edge allowances and help your facility produce products with greater reliability for all involved.

To learn more about our custom deburring solutions, contact Cleveland Deburring Machine Company for a no-cost application evaluation.