M16 Bolt Carrier

Bel Air Finishing was tasked with identifying the ideal tumbling media and finishing equipment for CNC-machined 8620 steel M16 bolt carriers. The objective was to develop a scalable finishing process that delivers effective deburring, wet grinding, and light burnishing while preserving dimensional tolerances and supporting high-volume production.

Bel Air conducted process trials using a combination of vibratory finishing and tumbling systems, evaluating different media formulations for deburring and surface conditioning of the 8620 steel bolt carriers. The selected process included a wet grinding stage to remove machining marks and edge burrs, followed by a burnishing cycle using steel media to enhance surface smoothness and reduce friction. The solution delivered consistent finishes with minimal dimensional change, supporting both cosmetic quality and in-spec performance for firearm components. The process is compatible with batch or continuous-feed vibratory tumblers, allowing flexible integration into the customer’s production line.

If you are unsure what equipment and media you require to achieve your desired surface finish, then send us your part, and we will evaluate it and provide you with a metrology report.