What’s the difference between cryogenic deflashing vs. cryogenic deburring? They’re both secondary processes that remove surface defects without changing critical part dimensions or surface finish. They both subject parts to very cold temperatures, and it’s this cryogenic treatment that makes part defects brittle and easy-to-remove using a special non-abrasive media. In addition, both cryogenic processes are machined-based and computer-controlled for speed, accuracy, and consistency.
Molding vs. Machining
The main difference between cryogenic deflashing vs. cryogenic deburring involves molding vs. machining: two ways that parts can be made. Cryogenic deflashing is for parts that are injection molded. When an injection mold becomes worn, material can escape between the two halves of the tool and produce flash or flashing on part surfaces. Worn molds aren’t the only reason for flash, but cryogenic deflashing reliably removes this excess material from hard-to-reach areas and tough part geometries.
Cryogenic deburring is used for parts that are machined, typically with CNC equipment. Machining, a subtractive manufacturing process, uses tools that impart stresses to the workpiece. These stresses create raised areas (burrs) that can cause parts misalignments. Burrs can also affect part dimensions and, in the case of manual assembly, result in employee hand injuries. There are other ways to remove burrs, but cryogenic deburring is faster than hand deburring and also more consistent.
Cryogenic Deflashing vs. Cryogenic Deburring
What’s the real difference between cryogenic deflashing vs. cryogenic deburring then? Mainly, it’s about whether your parts are injection molded or CNC machined. In both processes, parts are loaded into a basket, which is then loaded into a chamber. The parts are exposed to gaseous nitrogen, which freezes them and makes their surface defects brittle and easy-to-remove. The parts are then tumbled against one other while blasted by the media, a non-abrasive polycarbonate that comes in different lengths and diameters.
When the blast cycle is complete, a post-tumble process removes any residual media from the parts. The parts are then removed from the machine, removed from the basket, and put in a work holder. Parts are inspected prior to cryogenic deflashing or deburring, and they’re inspected again after processing for critical measurements. The specific deflashing or deburring “recipe” that is used can be saved for future batches of the same part, which also promotes quality and consistency.
Mold Flash, Machine Burrs, and Special Considerations
Cryogenic deflashing and cryogenic deburring use the same basic process, but there are some special considerations depending on whether your parts are molded or machined. For example, injection molders need to consider part size, hole or cavity sizes, mold flash location, and mold flash size or thickness. That’s because cryogenic deflashing isn’t the right choice for every type of injection molded part. In some cases, dry ice deflashing – a different process – may be needed instead of or along with cryogenic deflashing.
Cryogenic deburring is great at removing machined burrs from blind holes, through holes, and other hard-to-reach part geometries. Whether your machined parts have roll-over, tear, cut-off, or Poisson burrs, these defects can be removed while part edges are maintained. As with cryogenic deflashing, however, it’s important to use the right sized media. Non-abrasive polycarbonate media is sized from 0.015” (smallest) to 0.060” (largest) to meet application-specific challenges.
Parts Deflashing and Deburring from Nitrofreeze®
Nitrofreeze® of Worcester, Massachusetts provides cryogenic deflashing, cryogenic deburring, dry ice deflashing, and other services to customers across New England and the Northeastern United States. Whether your application is medical, electrical, electronic, industrial, or in defense or aerospace, we invite you to talk to us about how we can deflash or deburr your parts with just a two-day turnaround. The consultation is free of charge.
To improve part quality, contact us at the phone number and email listed below.
(508) 459-7447 x 109 | mailto:info@nitrofreeze.com