New stream finishing machine features pulse drive technology

The new machine follows on from the delivery of a new generation OTEC stream finishing machine in July.

Fintek operations manager, Jamie Phillips explained: “The difference ‘Pulsfinish’ makes to mass finishing is substantial. Pulse finishing produces rapid relative motion between the media and workpiece by quickly changing the direction of rotation of the work holding heads in a programmed and controlled way. High speed acceleration and deceleration increases the finishing forces exerted on the workpiece making it possible to accurately and evenly deburr, round and smooth surfaces from Rpk 0.2µm to 0.1µm in under a minute.”

As with all OTEC equipment, precise process repeatability assures consistent component surface finishing quality, a vital consideration for aerospace parts manufacturers.

Another important aerospace sector where ‘Pulsfinish’ is set to make a difference is the mass finishing of additively manufactured components.

Recently, Fintek used the system as part of a Innovate UK sponsored research project that brought together a team of experts under the leadership of Croft Additive Manufacturing (CAM) and that included Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and surface finishing experts, Fintek.

“While the pulse finishing equipped SF machine is ideal for meeting the needs of aerospace clients, it is equally suited to customers involved in high level motorsport, automotive, medical device and tool making,” concluded Phillips.

In addition to Fintek’s subcontract services, the company is also the UK agent for OTEC’s advanced range of centrifugal disc, drag and stream finishing systems. From stand-alone units to fully automated systems for inline production, process media, consumables and expertise are available from Fintek.

www.fintek.co.uk