Deburring Copper Parts
Hand deburring is commonly done with all types of part sizes and shapes and with many different types of materials. The copper part on the left has sharp edges and heat treat and welding discoloration. The manufacturer had been manually deburring and sanding this part to a clean, matte finish. Read More
Robotics vs. Manual Deburring Process
Amidst the various types of finishing you can perform on a product, there is always the option to deburr a part by hand. The manual deburring process is a very time-consuming process but may be necessary for certain hard to reach areas in parts with complex geometry, and in instances where many different parts are being manufactured. Depending on your company and the parts you produce, manual deburring may be necessary, rather than the increasing use of a robotic process. Read More
Cleaning and Polishing Carbon Steel
These carbon steel parts had a blue coating on them that needed to be removed prior to polishing. Abrasive blasting was not an option as it could pit the metal and make it impossible to get a near mirror finish. Instead, a tumbling process was first used to remove the coating and then polish the part. Read More
Air-Fed Helmets: How Do They Work?
At Kramer Industries, we are experts in all things related to surface finishing – including safety. Throughout any abrasive blasting process, safety should be your top priority. As you blast the surface of your project, dust and other contaminants will become airborne, increasing the risk for a potential inhalation hazard. To combat this problem, we highly recommend using an air-fed helmet. Read More
Aircraft Carrier Refurbished
Traditionally, coal slags are used for stripping large boats, especially military ships. Recently, there has been a push to use more environmentally friendly abrasive media that are beryllium free. These alternatives need to be aggressive enough to remove 15 mils or more paint. Read More
How Barrel Tumble Finishing Works
Barrel finishing is a cost- and time-effective surface finishing process. The method is completed by tumbling parts in a rotating barrel, creating a rolling acting between the materials. Let's take a look at how wet and dry barrel tumbling works. Read More
Tumbling 3D Printed Plastic Parts
Additive manufacturing or 3D printing of plastic parts leaves a rough surface finish. The finish you see is the result of elevation lines used to print the part. This uneven surface is undesirable, especially for parts that need to have a pleasing aesthetic finish. Read More
The 7 Common Methods for Metal Finishing
When it comes to metal finishing, there are a few processes to choose from. In this blog, we've outlined the seven most common methods to finish your next metal project. Read More
Deburring and Cleaning Brass
These brass parts needed to be tumbled after machining to remove the burrs and discoloration on the surface. The challenge is removing the burrs on the slots without rolling them into the slot and making sure that the surface finish meets the specification. Read More
What is Isotropic Finishing?
In the realm of surface finishing, there are a plethora of methods to choose from. From tumbling to blasting, Kramer Industries has the best solutions for finishing your next project. Isotropic finishing is a lesser-known method that could bring you the desired finishing results you're looking to achieve. Read More
Tumbling Stone Tile
An aged or weathered look on stone tile is a popular finish. When a stone is cut it has sharp, ragged edges (see part on left). Creating an aged look involves rounding the edges and getting a uniform finish on the surface. This can be done by hand with a grinder and polisher, but that process is labor intensive and slow. Read More
Smooth Plastic Finish
To create a tight seal, these plastic parts needed to have a smooth, polished finish. Specifically, less than a 32 Ra ... Read More
Deburring and Polishing Aluminum
Deburring and Polishing Aluminum The aluminum heat sinks needed to be deburring after machining with the machine marks removed and the ... Read More
Softening Edges on Tooth Aligners
Softening Edges on Tooth Aligners As an alternative to metal and wire braces, many people are using these plastic tooth aligners ... Read More
Preventing Corrosion During Parts Cleaning Process
Corrosion is caused by a variety of factors, including humidity, temperature changes, and exposure to the elements. Because of this, it can be difficult to control corrosion during and especially after a parts cleaning process. But have no fear – the professionals at Kramer Industries are experts in finishing processes and have a few tips and trick to prevent corrosion. Read More
Blast Machine vs. Shot Peening System
The professionals at Kramer Industries are experts in nearly every variation of surface finishing. Although we are well-versed in our machines' many uses, we understand that the technical jargon can get a bit confusing to newcomers in the field. One common question we hear is, "What is the difference between a blast machine and shot peening system?" Well, we're glad you asked. In this blog post, we will break down the differences between a blast machine vs. a shot peening system, and steer you on the path toward a successful surface finish. Read More
What are the Different Types of Parts Separator?
Surface finishing production requires the navigation of many moving parts. Once a project is created, it must then endure a tumbling application, which includes a heavy deburring and polishing process. Vibratory finishers and deburring barrels are two options you can use to achieve the desired finish of your product. But what happens after the process is complete and the parts and media need to be separated? That's where a parts separator is applicable. Read More
Non-Skid Flooring: How It’s Made
Warehouse and factory work settings receive a great deal of tread throughout the workday. But with frequent slips and spills interfering with production, floors can quickly become hazardous. From pools to garage floors, non-skid flooring is an absolute necessity. Whether you're looking to coat the floor of a commercial establishment or your personal residence, these non-skid coating techniques will deliver a durable finish for secure footing. Read More
3D Printed Metal Gun Parts
3D printing or additive manufacturing is being used for many different applications and with many different types of metals and plastics. Often the parts need to be finished to remove elevation lines created by the printing process. In addition, the parts may need to be polished to achieve a specific aesthetic finish. Read More
Polishing Ground Glass
Glass parts (think: marbles or lab equipment) are not the most common but when made often need to be polished after being ground to the correct shape and size. The grinding process leaves the surface with an etched, scratched, matte finish. Read More
Flatware Polishing
Maintaining the finish on flatware is a process that is often neglected by restaurants, caterers, and hotels. If the flatware (often stainless steel) is not polished regularly, it will become scratched and dull and lose its original luster and shine. Read More
Outsourced Surface Finishing: How Our Job Shop Gets It Done
For low volume projects and when you don't have experience with surface finishing, it often makes sense to look to a professional for help. Outsourced surface finishing will lead to a higher quality product and it will also be faster and less stressful. Read More
Stainless Steel Finishes: How Processes Stack Up
Stainless steel finishing can be a complex to solve. There are many different types of surface finishes and profiles that may be required. If you're feeling stuck and unsure where to turn, the experts at Kramer Industries have broken down the basics of the most popular stainless steel finishes. Read More
4 Ways 3D Metal Printing Is Revolutionizing Manufacturing
3D printing is one of the most significant inventions of the last forty years, allowing people to design and create parts that traditional manufacturing is incapable of producing. The basic technique has been around since the 1980s, but developments have pushed the technology into a new realm, with the possibilities appearing endless. Read More