Mechanical finishing & post-processing · finish comparison
Deburring vs Tumbling and Vibratory Finishing
Deburring and Tumbling and Vibratory Finishing are both mechanical finishing finishes; mass finishing resists corrosion better.
Deburring
Mechanical finishing · $ · instant quote
Deburring removes loose or sharp burrs left by cutting, punching, molding, or casting.
Tumbling and Vibratory Finishing
Mechanical finishing · $ · instant quote
Tumbling and vibratory finishing are mass-finishing methods that deburr many small parts together.
When to choose which
Choose Deburr
Choose Deburr when burr removal must be local and dimensions tightly controlled.
- Removes handling hazards
- Prevents assembly interference
- Reduces loose-particle risk
Choose Mass finishing
Choose Mass finishing when many small parts can be processed together.
- Processes many small parts per batch
- Breaks edges and removes light burrs
- Typical exposed-surface removal is 0.01–0.05 mm
What the numbers say
- Mass finishing resists corrosion better.
- Deburr is the lower-cost option ($).
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | Deburr | Mass finishing |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 0 Minimal | 5 Minimal |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 20 Low | 50 Fair |
| Lubricity | 5 Minimal | 15 Low |
| Cost | 8 $ | 12 $ |
Key numbers
| Property | Deburr | Mass finishing |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0 µm | 0 µm |
| Electrical | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Relative cost | Budget ($) | Budget ($) |
| Added lead time | 0–2 working days | 1–3 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | Deburr | Mass finishing |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Yes | Yes |
| Brass | Yes | Yes |
| Copper Alloy | Yes | Yes |
| Polymer | Yes | Limited |
| Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Titanium | Yes | Yes |
| Magnesium Alloy | With care | With care |
| Zinc Alloy | With care | With care |
Deburr vs Mass finishing — frequently asked
What is the difference between Deburr and Mass finishing?
Deburring and Tumbling and Vibratory Finishing are both mechanical finishing finishes; mass finishing resists corrosion better. Deburr is the lower-cost option ($).
When should I use Deburr instead of Mass finishing?
Choose Deburr when burr removal must be local and dimensions tightly controlled. Conversely: choose Mass finishing when many small parts can be processed together.
Is Deburr or Mass finishing cheaper?
Deburr is the lower-cost finish ($ against $ for Mass finishing) among the finishes FabDigit quotes. Both are priced per part with a lot minimum; the exact figure appears on the instant quote once the part is uploaded.