Yes — all tumbling media gradually breaks down with use. The rate of wear depends on the composition, abrasive content, machine type, and part material. Faster-cutting compositions (like D+ or E+) will wear more quickly than slower-cutting or porcelain types. Signs it’s time to replace media include:
- A noticeable drop in cutting or polishing efficiency
- Excessive sludge or fines in your machine
- Significant reduction in media size, causing lodging or inconsistent results
Many operations replace a small percentage of their media each cycle to maintain consistent performance. This equates to a consistent, overall mix of sizes within the mass.