Before

Ti 6Al-4V bone screws before automated deburring, showing sharp edges and burrs
Ti 6Al-4V bone screws before automated deburring, showing sharp edges and burrs - closeup view

After

Bone screws after automated deburring in centrifugal barrel finisher, showing smooth, burr-free surface
Bone screws after automated deburring in centrifugal barrel finisher, showing smooth, burr-free surface - closeup view

Objective

Bel Air Finishing was tasked with automating the hand deburring process for titanium Ti 6Al-4V bone screws used in medical applications. The objective was to develop a consistent, repeatable deburring method to reduce manual labor and improve process efficiency while maintaining the integrity of the screw threads and surface finish.

IndustryMedical/Pharmaceutical
Part Description3/4” x 12” Medical Device Component
Fabrication Method CNC Machined
Material17-4 PH H900 Stainless Steel, Heat Treated
Process TechnologyDeburring, Wet Grinding
Equipment TypeHarperizer, Tumblers, Vibratory Finisher

Solution

Bel Air implemented a two-stage deburring process using centrifugal barrel finishing and centrifugal disc finishing. The initial stage involved centrifugal barrel finishing to effectively remove burrs and sharp edges while maintaining the thread profile.

The second stage utilized centrifugal disc finishing to refine the surface, ensuring a smooth, consistent finish without compromising the precise dimensions of the bone screws. This automated, hands-free approach significantly reduced manual deburring time while delivering consistent, repeatable results suitable for medical-grade components.

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.