When barrel finishing plastic optical frames, the normal workload for one compartment of a 30" x 36" dry tumbling barrel is 200 heavyweight fronts or 250 lightweight fronts. Twice this amount can be added at one time when tumbling temples. The ratio (by volume) of
hardwood media to frames should be at least three to one. This applies to all steps listed below. If nose panels are very rough, they should be ashed on a buff before tumbling.
Step 1
This step will remove tool marks, round off edges and leave a satin finish. The load height should be approximately three inches below center. Start with 5 lb of coarse
Dry Abrasive Cream (10 lb if using new pegs). After 16-24 hours, add 5 lb of fine
Dry
Abrasive Cream (10 lb if using new pegs). Before unloading, run the barrel with screen doors for approximately one hour to remove old compound and extra plastic.
Step 2
This step will produce a smooth surface and keep parts clean. The load height should be approximately at the center. Use 5 lb of
Shynolyte Pre-Polishing Cream (10 lb if using new pegs). Run the barrel for 24 hours. Before unloading, run the barrel with screen doors for approximately one hour. Hinges can be installed after this process.
Step 3
This step is used to run the parts with hinges installed. This step will remove scratches created when slotting and installing hinges. The load height should be approximately at the center. Use one tablespoon of
Shynolyte Pre-Polishing Cream for each run. Run the barrel for about 24 hours. (To break in new pegs, use one pint of
Shynolyte Pre-Polishing Cream and run the pegs for a few hours without parts.)
Step 4
This step will produce a high luster. The load height should be approximately at the center. Use one tablespoon of
Microlyte Polishing Cream for each run. Run the barrel for about 24 hours. (To break in new pegs, use one pint of
Microlyte Polishing Cream and run the pegs for a few hours without parts.)
For a very high luster and/or to remove film, use
Hi-Glos Final Cream. Use one teaspoon of
Hi-Glos Final Cream for each run. Run for one to six hours. (To break in new pegs, use one pint of
Hi-Glos Final Cream and run the pegs for a few hours without parts. Use one teaspoon of
Hi-Glos Final Cream for each run thereafter.) If the pegs get too wet, skip the recharge and run with a screen door until dry.
Note: For injection-molded frames, use fine
Dry Cutting Cream,
Shynolyte Pre-Polishing Cream and
Microlyte Polishing Cream (Hi-Glos Final Cream for super luster), keeping the load level on center to protect the parts.
