Crushers And Tumblers The Mechanical Middleman For Hobbyists And Manufacturing Plants Alike

You don’t need to do everything yourself. It’s what we have technology for.

When you’re too tired to do the dishes by hand you boot up the dishwasher and load them in. When you’d rather not walk in hot weather you hop on public transportation. Machines have done wonders for enhancing our lives and helping us live more comfortably. Why not apply this same logic to your new hobby? When you’re starting to feel the strain of doing everything by hand, a surge machine or tumbling drum can help shoulder the load. These are used across multiple industries, ranging from crafting to food, and go a long way in saving you time and money.

Here’s what you should know before investing in a food crusher or tumbler.

Tumbling Drums Are Very Common

These machines are far from a niche creation. In fact, you could even consider them the unsung heroes of any manufacturing industry or hobby that requires steady production. The function of a tumbling drum is to separate small parts, encourage a smoother texture and save workers the trouble of crafting everything by hand. The most popular barrel dimensions will vary in both diameter and length, though the diameter is usually smaller than the length. Horizontal barrel speeds vary between 20 and 38 RPM, which will be explored more in the second section.

Keep An Eye On Your Speeds To Maintain Quality

One of the most important tips you can learn about your tumbling machines is maintaining the proper speed. Failing to do so can lead to disappointing results and a lot of frustration. Barrel speeds in dry tumbling are usually kept between 28 and 32 RPM. General rotary speed varies between 85 RPM to 1,200 RPM, with modern models able to be customized with different types of hammers to help you work on different materials more accurately. When given careful time and handling, plastic parts are able to be polished to a finish that retains the same look as hand buffing.

Be Careful Not To Overload Your Barrel

While it can be tempting to try and get done as much as possible, you can end up ruining your tumbling machines and breaking them done. Patience is key when using tumbling machines, as it can take you between 10 to 15 hours to get results. Your barrel load heights (for both parts and media) shouldn’t be less than 45% and no more than 60% capacity. Load heights that waver between 40% and 50% generally produce more action, but they also have a higher chance of creating a poorer finish. A happy balance is key to getting the most out of your tumbling drums.

Choose The Right Screening For The Job

Your crumblers or tumbling machines have many interlocking parts to keep a close eye on. Screening generally falls under two categories, the dry screening and the wet screening, and these do the work of separating the flow of materials into different grades. These will then be further processed into an intermediary product or considered the finished product. Take your time to find the right screen, drum and size for your needs. It’ll result in a lot of saved time, reduced stress and even a better looking product.

Choosing The Right Type Of Tumbling Drum

Let’s go over the primary points to help you find the tumbler machines that best suit your needs. High speeds are generally good for smaller products, while failing to reach the appropriate speed can risk breaking your product or producing an inferior result. Overloading your machine should be avoided at all costs, but it’s also just as important to load your machine with a minimum amount to create a smooth, seamless texture. Screens can be used for dry or wet applications and can be paired alongside high frequency vibrating equipment.

Embrace the middleman. See how a crusher or tumbler can help create a more enjoyable process for you and your customers.