Surface finishing is an important process in many industries, including the medical and firearms industries. There is a variety of types of finishing that can be completed, depending on the type of project. Deflashing is the process used after injection molding when there are still a lot of leftover or residual pieces on the material.
How It’s Done
After injection molding is completed, it is common for customers to be dissatisfied with the results. Although the process is very quick and efficient, unfortunately, one of the issues with having such a fast turnaround rate is that small bits of “flashing” deposition are often left over on the solid metal material.
Fortunately, those in the industry have successfully invented and perfected a method of removing these “flashes” without hassle or too much time. Deflashing is completed by placing the materials in a large centrifugal finishing barrel, allowing the barrel to rotate for some time, and then placing the parts through another wash-and-dry cycle before the finished product is revealed, completely free of unwanted flashes or burrs.
When It’s Useful
Deflashing has become a very popular method of ensuring that materials are flawlessly polished after the fast injection molding process. It is typically used on plastic, rubber, titanium, and stainless parts. Finishing companies work alongside injection molding companies to provide fast turnaround rates and aesthetically pleasing results.
Deflashing can be completed within three days, although most companies take a longer amount of time. If you require a rush project, please consider contacting a finishing company and inquiring how long it would take to complete removing flashes from a mold. Removing flashes is also quite inexpensive nowadays.
The Mechanical Process
Machines can be used to remove a few unnecessary flashes or as the first stage in an excessive flash removal procedure. More extensive removals are done with cryogenic deflashing machine, which is used for larger and more complex projects.
For each piece, machines get the job done very quickly—usually in less than a minute—and they are capable of preparing materials for more thorough flash removals. The two-stage process ultimately saves the client money since less nitrogen is required during the final stage.
Removing flashes is crucial if you need your materials to look smooth, polished, and properly finished. Modern technology makes the removal of flashes very easy and fast.