Blog
Bel Air Finishing Hosts KATO to Strengthen CNC Deburring Partnership
Bel Air Finishing hosts KATO to highlight their CNC deburring partnership, offering tool holders and carbide rotary burrs alongside abrasive filament brushes for consistent, in-machine edge finishing.
Bel Air Origins: Belt Buckles
Bel Air’s story began in 1966 in a Providence mill, where Ralph Alviti developed a better way to manufacture buckle tongues. This small component helped transform Bel Air Tool and drive one of the company’s earliest periods of growth.
Global Customer Success: Precision Finishing Applications in Argentina and Brazil
See how Bel Air Finishing supports manufacturers in Argentina and Brazil with application-specific process technology for demanding automotive and medical finishing requirements.
Bel Air’s August 2026 Mass Finishing Seminar Brings Industry Professionals Together
Bel Air Finishing’s August 2026 Mass Finishing Seminar brought industry professionals together for technical instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and practical insights into mass finishing, process development, and 3D post-processing.
A Summer Collaboration with Bryant University MBA Students
Bryant University MBA students joined our Bel Air team for a summer business practicum, bringing fresh ideas to our video content, social media strategy, and B2B marketing efforts.
Bel Air Employee Spotlight: Meet Dan Murray
Meet Dan Murray, Bel Air Finishing’s Consumables Specialist. A Rhode Island native and former teacher and coach in the Providence school system, Dan now supports customers with media, compounds, and related finishing products while learning the ins and outs of manufacturing.
Aluminum Heat Spreaders: Scaling Surface Finishing for Increased Production
See how Bel Air developed a simple, scalable vibratory finishing process for aluminum heat spreaders to support increased U.S. production while improving finishing consistency.
The Secret to Success Since 1966
A simple lesson from Bel Air founder Ralph Alviti has guided the company since 1966. Learn how that philosophy continues to shape Bel Air today.
Ralph Alviti Inducted into NCGA Hall of Fame
Bel Air Finishing Supply founder Ralph Alviti was recently inducted into the National Church Goods Association Hall of Fame, honoring his legacy of craftsmanship, hard work, and family.
Bel Air Employee Spotlight: Meet Brittany Scuncio
Meet Brittany Scuncio, Accounts Specialist at Bel Air Finishing. Learn about her background in manufacturing and textiles, what she enjoys most about the industry, and a little about life outside of work.
Dry Deburring Without the Wastewater? WOWWWWW!
Bel Air Finishing takes a humorous look at dry deburring while showcasing real-world finishing solutions using centrifugal disc finishers, vibratory finishing machines, and ECO-FLEX™ dry deburring media. Learn how manufacturers are reducing wastewater and simplifying surface finishing operations with cleaner dry deburring processes.
Bel Air Finishing Featured in 2025 State of Manufacturing Rhode Island Report
Bel Air Finishing is featured in the 2025 State of Manufacturing Rhode Island Report, highlighting its role in process-driven surface finishing and support of local manufacturers.
Welcoming AMT and URI to Bel Air Finishing
Bel Air Finishing welcomed AMT and the University of Rhode Island for a recent visit focused on internships, workforce development, and long-standing industry collaboration.
Customer Spotlight: Boston Dynamics Visits Bel Air Finishing
Bel Air Finishing welcomed Boston Dynamics to collaborate on finishing solutions for robot parts, focusing on precision, consistency, and performance.
Large Airfoil Finishing System – Vibratory Processing & Water Treatment
Bel Air Finishing engineered a complete vibratory processing system for large airfoil components—combining custom fixturing, automation, and wastewater treatment to improve throughput and consistency at scale.
Bel Air Employee Spotlight: Meet Leonel Frias
Meet Leonel Frias, Production Manager at Bel Air Finishing. Learn how he supports production, engineering, and process improvement across the operation.
Artemis II Launch: Historic Step Forward
Artemis II launches from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking a major milestone in spaceflight. A look at the mission—and Bel Air Finishing’s connection to aerospace manufacturing.
Refurbishing a Tool Steel Lathe Collet Chuck Using Slurry Wet Blasting
Slurry wet blasting was used to refurbish a tool steel lathe collet chuck, removing oxidation and restoring a uniform surface without affecting critical features.
The Critical Last Mile in Manufacturing: Steve Alviti Jr. on Surface Finishing & Automation
In this Manufacturing Insider Podcast episode, Steve Alviti Jr. discusses surface finishing, deburring, and automation — and how manufacturers can replace manual variability with controlled, scalable processes.
Bel Air Finishing Featured in Cutting Tool Engineering
Bel Air Finishing was featured in Cutting Tool Engineering for the introduction of two CNC deburring toolholders designed to automate and improve edge-finishing operations.
Still Going Strong: 2008 Bel Air Centrifugal Disc Finisher Refurbished for a New Chapter
A 2008 Bel Air FMSL 8/3 Centrifugal Disc Finisher proves that quality engineering stands the test of time. Recently refurbished at the Bel Air factory, this long-running machine was restored to like-new performance—showcasing the durability, serviceability, and long-term value of Bel Air equipment.
Finishing Is Only Half the Story: How Bel Air’s Feedback Loop Improves Machining
Surface finishing doesn’t start at the finishing machine. This article explores how Bel Air’s feedback loop connects machining and finishing to improve part quality, consistency, and production efficiency.
From Testing to Shipping: Finishing Equipment Built for Any Size Project
See how our finishing equipment is tested, packaged, and prepared for shipment—while we take on large custom projects built to scale.
Bel Air Finishing Featured in Aerospace Manufacturing and Design
Bel Air Finishing was recently featured in Aerospace Manufacturing and Design for the launch of two next-generation CNC deburring tool holders designed for automated machining environments.
Automating CNC Deburring: Eliminating Manual Edge Prep for Consistent Edge Quality
Manual edge preparation remains a bottleneck in CNC machining. Learn how automation-ready CNC deburring tools help reduce labor and improve consistent edge quality.
Centrifugal Disc vs. Vibratory Finishers: Which Technology Is Right for Your Parts?
Two finishing giants go head-to-head: Centrifugal Disc vs. Centrifugal Barrel. Which delivers the knockout punch for your parts and production goals? Bel Air’s expert comparison breaks down speed, finish quality, cost, and ideal applications so you can crown the winner for your shop.
Make the Most of Your Remaining Year-End Budget: Invest in Your 2026 Finishing Process
Use your remaining year-end budget to strengthen your 2026 finishing process. Learn how upgrades in deburring, polishing, blasting, and wastewater treatment can eliminate bottlenecks and improve consistency.
5 Ways to Burnish Metal Parts: Techniques & Equipment
Looking for ways to enhance surface quality, reduce friction, or achieve a high-shine finish? Burnishing is a non-abrasive surface finishing process that uses mechanical [...]
Click Bond Visits Bel Air Finishing for Custom Mass Finishing Workshop
Bel Air Finishing hosted a customized mass finishing workshop for the Click Bond engineering team. The hands-on session featured live demonstrations and process discussions focused on improving part quality, consistency, and efficiency through advanced finishing techniques.
We’re Proud to Join the RI MADE / Polaris MEP Defense Manufacturing Program
We're excited to join the RI MADE / Polaris MEP program to strengthen our capabilities in automation, cybersecurity, and workforce development while helping shape the future of Rhode Island manufacturing.
Clash of the Titans: Centrifugal Disc vs. Centrifugal Barrel Finishers
Two finishing giants go head-to-head: Centrifugal Disc vs. Centrifugal Barrel. Which delivers the knockout punch for your parts and production goals? Bel Air’s expert comparison breaks down speed, finish quality, cost, and ideal applications so you can crown the winner for your shop.
Bel Air Employee Spotlight: Meet John Ferris
Since joining Bel Air Finishing in April 2024, Technical Sales Rep John Ferris has become a trusted partner to manufacturers of all sizes—building lasting relationships and helping customers find the right finishing solutions for their needs.
Customer Spotlight: Motor Parts S.A.
From Argentina to Rhode Island, Motor Parts S.A. teamed up with Bel Air Finishing to push surface performance further. Discover how we helped them achieve an ultra-smooth superpolish on titanium racing valves — ready for the demands of motorsport and beyond.
Cutting Through Obstacles in Manufacturing
When a fallen tree blocked a road, Bel Air president Steve Alviti Sr. grabbed a chainsaw and cleared the way. We don’t offer tree removal, but we do solve tough manufacturing challenges — from bottlenecks to surface finishing. Send us your parts for a free evaluation.
Mass Finishing Seminar Recap – August 2025
Bel Air’s August 2025 Mass Finishing Seminar brought together manufacturers and engineers for a full day of presentations, live demos, and hands-on lab work. Attendees from Apple, Collins Aerospace, CCAT, and more explored advanced finishing techniques to improve efficiency, consistency, and surface quality.
Built to Last: Bel Air Centrifugal Disc Finisher Back in Action After Nearly 20 Years
This FMSL 22/3 Centrifugal Disc Finisher, built in 2006, just returned to Bel Air for its first service—proving that our machines are built to last.
Tool Honing Seminar Recap – Advancing Edge Prep and Coating Readiness
A recap of Bel Air’s July 2025 Tool Honing Seminar, where attendees explored advanced edge prep, polishing, and coating support techniques for extending tool life and improving performance. Includes live demos, case studies, and practical process tips.
Intern Spotlight: Future Manufacturers at Bel Air
At Bel Air Finishing, we’re not just helping manufacturers—we’re helping build the next generation of manufacturing professionals. This summer, we welcomed Dolson and Nate, [...]
Bel Air Employee Spotlight: The Matriarch – Lisa Alviti
At Bel Air, our success is built on the dedication, passion, and hard work of our incredible team. This month, we’re shining the spotlight [...]
Customer Spotlight: Collins, LLC
Collins, LLC partnered with Bel Air Finishing to replace their outsourced stripping and in-house cleaning process with a streamlined, one-step vibratory solution.
Bel Air Finishing at EASTEC 2025 – West Springfield, MA
Bel Air Finishing will be exhibiting at EASTEC 2025 (Booth 1736) from May 13–15, 2025 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA. [...]
Spotting a Classic Bel Air at the Newport Car Museum
Bel Air Finishing recently hosted a group of attendees from our recent Mass Finishing seminar for an outing to the Newport [...]
Just Playing Around? Not Exactly.
We’re always experimenting in the Bel Air lab—especially with powerful tools like our Reverse Drag Finisher. Whether we’re testing edge prep for cutting tools [...]
Achieving a Matte Finish on 3D Printed Acrylic Parts
At the Bel Air Finishing lab, we recently worked with a customer producing 3D printed acrylic components for layout assemblies. Their goal was to [...]
Featured in MFN: Choosing the Right Tumbling Techniques
Understanding the Role of Mass Finishing in Manufacturing MFN March 2025 Issue Cover We’re excited to announce that our article, "To The [...]
Bel Air Employee Spotlight: Meet Glenn Gardner
At Bel Air, our success is built on the expertise and dedication of our team. This month, we’re highlighting Glenn Gardner, a valuable member [...]
Edge Preparation, Coating, and Polishing: Key Takeaways from the March 2025 Tool Honing Seminar
The March 2025 Tool Honing Seminar at Bel Air Finishing brought together a group of industry professionals—both in-person and online—to explore the latest advancements [...]
Phillips Federal Visits Bel Air
Bel Air Finishing was pleased to welcome our partners from Phillips Federal to our facility today! Phillips Corporation is a General Services Administration (GSA) approved entity [...]
The Importance of Cleaning and Drying After Mass Finishing
Proper cleaning and drying are crucial steps after a mass finishing process to ensure that parts are free of residue, moisture, and contaminants [...]
Post-Processing of 3D-Printed Parts: A Look at Surface Finishing Techniques
3D printing technology has revolutionized manufacturing, offering precision and efficiency in producing complex metal components. However, achieving the desired surface finish often requires [...]
Bel Air Finishing: Our Global Journey Through the Years
At Bel Air Finishing, we’ve been committed to manufacturing the finest mass finishing equipment & solutions since being founded as a tool and die [...]
New England Tech Students Visit Bel Air Finishing
New England Institute of Technology Students Explore Mass Finishing Steve Alviti Sr. showing a metrology slide while presenting to students. On [...]
Vibing 101: Choosing Your Vibratory Finishing System
Brochure Download Welcome to Vibing 101, your guide to selecting the right vibratory finishing system for optimal results. Whether you’re working [...]
How Dealers, Reps, and Distributors Add Value to Manufacturing Solutions
At Bel Air Finishing, we believe in the power of partnership. Our dealers, representatives, and distributors play a vital role in connecting manufacturers with [...]
Centrifugal Disc Finisher: Revolutionizing Precision Gear Deburring
At Bel Air Finishing, we don’t just solve problems — we redefine manufacturing processes. Recently, a precision gear manufacturer sought our expertise to address [...]
Dry Abrasive Deburring with Vibratory Bowls: Eco-Friendly and Efficient
For over 50 years, Bel Air Finishing has been a trusted leader in surface finishing technology. Our FinishMaster™ Vibratory Bowls, in production for over 30 years, provide [...]
Bel Air Finishing Supply Honored at PBN’s 2024 Manufacturing Awards Program
We’re thrilled to share that Bel Air Finishing Supply was recognized as an honoree at Providence Business News (PBN)'s prestigious 2024 Manufacturing Awards Program. The awards [...]
Centrifugal Disc Finisher: Improving Airfoil Deburring and Workflow
At Bel Air Finishing, we’re always finding ways to optimize manufacturing processes for our clients. In our latest video, we showcase how we helped [...]
IMTS 2024 Presentation Recap
At IMTS 2024, Bel Air Finishing Supply’s President, Steve Alviti Sr., took the stage to discuss the future of finishing technology, highlighting [...]
Customer Spotlight: Lab Security Pins
Lab Security Pins faced a persistent challenge in deburring and separating their small metal pins due to their diminutive size. Seeking a solution, they [...]
Customer Spotlight: Southern Manufacturing Technologies of Tampa
Southern Manufacturing Technologies of Tampa sought a solution to elevate their deburring process for a line of high-end aerospace components and manifolds. Turning to [...]
We are on the Defense and Munitions magazine cover!
Horizontal drag finisher The FM HDF 4000 and FM HDF 2000 are available in a batch unit configuration, or a semi-automated version that includes [...]
Customer Spotlight: MAGSEAL
A fellow Rhode Island family business, how could we not be excited to partner with MAGSEAL?! MAGSEAL was founded in 1954 by George E. [...]
Partner Spotlight: Abrasive Finishing
Abrasive Finishing, Inc is an American manufacturer of vibratory finishers and their ‘Fortune’ line of ceramic abrasives. They are owned and operated by Bill Ackley, [...]
Buyer Beware!
When it comes to purchasing products, the old saying holds true: you get what you pay for. In recent years, the market has been [...]
Client Spotlight: Karl Storz
Karl Storz SE & Co. Kg is a German medical device company that manufactures and sells endoscopes and surgical instruments. It was founded in Tuttlingen by Dr. Karl Storz [...]
Client Spotlight: Primo Medical Group
Mr. Primo Tallarida founded Stoughton Tool & Die, Inc. in 1953. He led the business through 32 years of growth and definition catering to [...]
Bel Air Finishing’s Cutting-Edge Solution for Medical Drill Bits: A Glimpse into Bel Air’s Automation Process
Bel Air Finishing's Cutting-Edge Solution for Medical Drill Bits: A Glimpse into Bel Air's Automation Process
Bel Air Finishing Helps Tusk Manufacturing with Mass Finishing
Bel Air Finishing, a leading provider of Mass Finishing services, recently helped Tusk Manufacturing, a precision machined components manufacturer, achieve its goals for mass [...]
Job Corps Students Visit Bel Air Finishing
Advanced Manufacturing students visit Bel Air to learn about Mass Finishing! On June 23, 2023, a group of students from the Job Corps [...]
Edge Prep/Tool Honing Client Spotlight: KV Tooling
KV Tooling visited the Bel Air Finishing Facility to pick up their new drag finisher for delivering a nice edge prep on their [...]
TechSHIFT Podcast
Bel Air's own Steven Alviti JR and Jim Jennings were recently featured on the Techshift podcast hosted by Dillan Drake from Phillips Federal [...]
Client Spotlight- Parker Hannifin
In 1917, Parker Hannifin started making brake systems for trucks. Today, as a Fortune 500 company, they have since grown into the [...]
Bel Air X Stratasys Tour
Bel Air is proud to announce that we will be at R&D Technologies Stratasys tour on Thursday July 21st at 60 Romano [...]
Rainbow Stone Partnership Spotlight
Bel Air is proud to announce our continued partnership with Rainbow Stone International! Rainbow Stone International is an import and export company that mainly [...]
Meet Bel Air’s Design and Manufacturing Engineer
Bel Air is proud to announce the addition of Phil Braun. Phil grew up in Indiana and attended Purdue University where he graduated in [...]
Deburring and Polishing of Bone Screws
Bone screws are implanted into patients' bodies with broken bones and require rigorous deburring and polishing to ensure a smooth healing process for patients. [...]
Phillips Federal and Bel Air Meeting
We met with Phillips Federal to discuss the distribution of equipment, supplies, and services for additive and traditional manufacturing.
Announcing the Newest Addition to the Bel Air Team
Bel Air is proud to announce the newest member of the team, Andrew Corsini. Andy brings valuable experience in both business development and technical sales.
Introducing the Comparative Key Chain
Bel Air has developed a comparator key chain to help assist the additive manufacturing industry in choosing their desired surface finish.
Happy Veteran’s Day to our very own – Bel Air Spotlight
Thankful for Woody and his services on this Veteran's Day especially. James "Woody" Woodmansee is a Vietnam Vet that served from 1967 [...]
Bel Air & Boston Gear, team-up for Cellular Polishing
The engineering and production boys from Boston Gear of Charlotte, NC recently visited Bel Air Finishing's Process Technology Center to validate the Super Polishing [...]
Bel Air: The Premier North American Post Processing Service Provider
Bel Air Finishing Supply is a trusted and top service provider for the 3D printing industry. With a wide array of technologies and industry [...]
High-Speed Cellular Deburring and Polishing
Bel Air Finishing's centrifugal disc finishers are an ideal solution for replacing hand deburring by CNC and Screw Machine operators right at their [...]
Having Separation Anxiety?!
Are you having separation anxiety?! Take a deep breath. Count to ten. And turn this on. Parts on one side, excess media on the other. [...]
Steady. Aim. Shot Show!
A burr free bolt carrier is crucial for the operation of every firearm. Shown is a layout of equipment for production of this product. [...]