Heat treating steel parts is used to change the physical (sometimes chemical) properties of the metal. This process can harden the metal along a multitude of other changes. The technique typically involves multiple steps and can result in the formation of a scale and discoloration on the part (see picture above). In most instances, the discoloration needs to be removed.
While challenging enough to remove the scale, added complexity is seen in the geometry of this part. Cleaning between the threads of this part means that the media has to be able to get in the space and provide enough abrasiveness to remove the scale. This is very difficult to do with a Ceramic Media and water solution, the typical process, as this media won’t clean all the way into grooves.
Using a dry process with the Pegco W-36 Coarse Premium Treated Tumbling Media over enough time produced the results seen here. This ‘grit’ based, abrasive media was able to get into the threads to remove the scale and leave a smooth, uniform finish.
To enhance the cleaning action of this Treated Tumbling Media, a small amount of Ceramic Media was added to this process. The addition of the heavier and larger Angle Cut Triangle Ceramic Media helped to force the abrasive between the threads and provide the necessary cleaning.