Mechanical finishing & post-processing · finish comparison
Edge Rounding vs Tumbling and Vibratory Finishing
Edge Rounding and Tumbling and Vibratory Finishing are both mechanical finishing finishes; mass finishing resists corrosion better.
Edge Rounding
Mechanical finishing · $ · instant quote
Edge rounding deliberately replaces a sharp edge with a controlled radius or broad edge break.
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 Edge rounding
Choose Edge rounding when a defined edge radius is required.
- Creates measurable 0.2–1.0 mm radii
- Improves paint and powder coverage at edges
- Reduces handling cuts
Choose Mass finishing
Choose Mass finishing when small parts permit all-over mass rounding.
- 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.
- Mass finishing 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 | Edge rounding | Mass finishing |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 0 Minimal | 5 Minimal |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 35 Fair | 50 Fair |
| Lubricity | 5 Minimal | 15 Low |
| Cost | 15 $ | 12 $ |
Key numbers
| Property | Edge rounding | Mass finishing |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0 µm | 0 µm |
| Electrical | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Relative cost | Budget ($) | Budget ($) |
| Added lead time | 1–3 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 | Edge rounding | Mass finishing |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Yes | Yes |
| Brass | Yes | Yes |
| Copper Alloy | Yes | Yes |
| Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Titanium | Yes | Yes |
| Magnesium Alloy | With care | With care |
| Polymer | With care | Limited |
| Zinc Alloy | With care | With care |
Edge rounding vs Mass finishing — frequently asked
What is the difference between Edge rounding and Mass finishing?
Edge Rounding and Tumbling and Vibratory Finishing are both mechanical finishing finishes; mass finishing resists corrosion better. Mass finishing is the lower-cost option ($).
When should I use Edge rounding instead of Mass finishing?
Choose Edge rounding when a defined edge radius is required. Conversely: choose Mass finishing when small parts permit all-over mass rounding.
Is Edge rounding or Mass finishing cheaper?
Mass finishing is the lower-cost finish ($ against $ for Edge rounding) 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.