Horizontal tumblers can run both abrasive and non-abrasive media, depending on the finish objective. The horizontal motion provides gentle, controlled part-to-media contact, making it effective for surface refinement, light deburring, cleaning, and burnishing without damaging edges or part geometry.
Abrasive Media (For Smoothing & Light Material Removal)
If the goal is to reduce surface roughness, blend machining marks, or break sharp edges, abrasive media is typically used. Common options include:
- Ceramic media — general-purpose deburring and edge radiusing on steels and hard alloys
- Plastic media — lighter deburring or smoothing on aluminum, brass, and softer metals
- Pre-formed resin media — uniform finishing where part tolerance must be preserved
- Porous polymer or soft carrier blends — controlled refinement of delicate or thin-walled parts
Abrasive media is usually run with wet compound systems to flush fines, prevent loading, and maintain consistent surface results.
Non-Abrasive Media (For Burnishing & Final Polishing)
When the goal is surface shine, density, or reflectivity, a non-abrasive media mix is used — often in dry cycles:
- Steel shot / ball media — work-hardens and brightens stainless steel and carbon alloys
- Porcelain / high-density spheres — controlled burnishing for tolerance-critical parts
- Corn cob or walnut shell — final dry polishing or moisture/oil removal
- Treated dry polishing media — used to achieve satin to mirror finishes
These media types do not cut the surface — they refine, compact, and brighten it.
How We Select Media
Bel Air recommends media based on:
- Part material and geometry
- Surface roughness targets (Ra)
- Edge integrity or tolerance restrictions
- Whether the finish is a cut, refine, or polish step
- Throughput and production repeatability requirements
If needed, we run sample test cycles and supply a documented, repeatable process recipe.