Earth-Chain

sPINner— Frequently Asked Questions

What type of material can be run?
All types, although our experience has shown that some materials work better than others. Aluminum, brass, and beryllium copper are all very good materials for the sPINner We have also had good success with hard plastics, stainless steels, and titanium, although with stainless and titanium the burr thickness at root must be thin enough for the burr to be removed instead of rolled as these materials are more pliable than some other materials.
What about magnetic materials?
While magnetic materials will work in the sPINner, there are several limitations to be aware of. First, magnetic parts will "stick" to the bottom of the container. This means only one layer of parts can be run at a time. Also, because the pins will tend to stick to the parts, ID burrs in magnetic parts will not be good candidates. This is not to say that magnetic parts will not work in the sPINner.
What kind of burr can the sPINner remove?

Short answer: a light burr. Rule of thumb: if you can take a fingernail and remove a burr, the part has a good chance of being processed well in the sPINner. Burrs heavier than this will tend to roll and flatten, but not be removed during the process. While this is not universally true, it should give you some idea of what to expect.

But you don't have to guess. We'll be glad to run some of your parts as a test before you make any purchase decision. Just give us a call to make arrangements.

Will my steel parts (ferrous material) become magnetic?
No. The principal of demagnetizing is switching north to south poles very quickly and this is how the machine makes the pins jump up and down. The parts will be completely demagnetized after machining.
How large of a part can be done?
The size of parts to be deburred are only limited by the size of machine used. The smallest machine has a tank size of 6" x 6" while the largest is 24" x 23", so the longest part that can be done is limited to the size of the bucket that is inserted in the tank.
How many parts can I run at one time?
This question can only be truly answered by running the parts. We always start by lining the bottom of the bucket with the parts and add parts while the machine is running. We stop adding parts when the agitation begins to diminish.
How does the sPINner effect external threads and/or critical tolerances?
The sPINner will not damage threads. In fact, by choosing a media size that fits within the thread pitch the sPINner will help deburr threaded areas. Also, the sPINner will not effect any critical tolerances of a part, as this process does not grind or cut at a part. Very tight tolerances can be maintained.
Will the sPINner give an edge break?
The sPINner will break all the edges of a part. The amount of radius depends on the cycle time and media size. Larger media and longer cycle times will produce more of an edge break.
Will the sPINner polish a part?
Yes. The amount of polish and the surface finish will depend on the material being run, the media size, and the cycle time.
Should parts be clean before being put in the sPINner?
The cleaner the parts, the less frequently the solution will need to be changed and the brighter the parts will be after processing.
How are the parts separated from the media after processing?

Two different methods depending on the size of the machine.

For model EHD-728 and smaller, a strainer is used to separate the parts from the media. The strainer is placed in the well of the machine while in operation. The media is pulled through the strainer by the magnets leaving the parts in the strainer. This process takes about 5-10 minutes.

For the larger machines, a sifting unit is used. This process takes about 10-15 seconds to separate the parts from the media.

Will any of the material from the media become imbedded in the material of the parts being run?
No. We have conducted several studies on many different materials to insure no material from the media becomes impregnated in the parts.
Does media become lodged in blind holes?
No. The unique magnetic process helps push the media into blind holes and also pulls the media back out. The result is no jamming or lodging of media.
What solution is used in the sPINner?
Various compounds may be used to handle a variety of materials and to achieve a variety of results. For most nonferrous materials and stainless parts, a soap and water mixture is used. For ferrous parts where rust and oxidation are concerns, a number of compounds can be used with rust inhibitors.
How often does the solution need to be changed?
The solution can be used until the parts no longer come out clean after processing.
Can the sPINner be operated without any solution?
Yes. However there are several factors to consider. During operation the media will build up heat. Normally the solution acts to help cool the media. In the absence of solution, the machine should be operated only for short cycle times (less than 10 minutes). The action of the media is more aggressive without solution. Due to the heat buildup, the media will need to cool for several minutes after a cycle. Also, the media will need to be cleaned about every 3 hours as it will become dirty.
What is the media made of?
Stainless steel hardened to 30 Rockwell C.
How long will the media last?
Approximately 2-5 years depending on the material being deburred.