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Fiber Abrasive Finishing Systemsfor End-DeburringExtruded Aluminum Profiles

Prepared by: D. Mark Fultz, VP MarketingforAbtex Corporation, Dresden, NY ABSTRACT The expanding use of aluminum extruded shapes is placing higher quality demandson extruders and fabricators. Electronics related applications such as heat dissipation components (heat sinks) require that there be no loose flakes or burrs. Other applications with functional considerations as well as safety and esthetic are forcing the industry to supply sawn ends which are burr free and slightly radiused. This paper discusses an abrasive medium which is ideal for end deburring aluminumextrusions. When formatted into a disc brushing tool, it can be applied on a machine based system for manual, semi-automated, or fully automated end deburring of aluminum extrusion ends. It is a practical and efficient process which offers increased productivity, safety, and consistently high quality levels. This process has been proven with over 100 installations throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. INTRODUCTION End deburring aluminum extrusions has typically been an off-hand process. Anabrasive media such as a wire, abrasive filament, buffing, or non-woven wheel is rotated and the extrusion is presented by hand for deburring as shown in Figure 1.