Both the FMT and FK Series Horizontal Tumblers support wet and dry finishing modes. The choice depends on the desired surface condition, part geometry, and tolerances.
Horizontal tumbling is known for its controlled, low-impact motion, which produces uniform, repeatable finishes without rounding edges or altering part geometry. This makes it especially well-suited for finishing applications where surface consistency and dimensional integrity are critical.
When to Use Wet Horizontal Tumbling
Wet processing uses abrasive or non-abrasive media combined with a liquid compound. It provides gradual, uniform surface refinement, most commonly for:
- Light-to-moderate deburring and edge smoothing
- Blending machining lines or cast surface texture
- Cleaning and surface conditioning after machining or additive manufacturing
- Preparing surfaces for coating, plating, anodizing, or bonding
Wet tumbling is ideal when the finishing objective is smoothness, cleanliness, and consistency rather than aggressive material removal.
When to Use Dry Horizontal Tumbling
Dry processing is typically used for burnishing or polishing, rather than cutting or smoothing. It is well-suited for:
- Brightening and polishing stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and plastics
- Producing satin to high-luster surface finishes
- Preserving sharp edges and tight dimensional tolerances
- Final finishing of delicate or complex geometries
Dry tumbling is especially effective when edge integrity, part form, or surface uniformity must be maintained.
How the FMT and FK Series Support These Workflows
- FMT Series — Single-barrel configuration for larger parts, long components, or full-volume batch loads
- FK Series — Multi-compartment barrels for part separation and batch consistency, preventing part-to-part contact
Both configurations support wet and dry processing, depending on the finishing objective.
Get a Process Recommendation
Bel Air provides media, compound, and process recommendations based on your part material, finish target, and production requirements. Most customers begin by sending parts for no-charge sample evaluation: