Premium Treated Media
The line of Premium Treated Tumbling Media is formulated to produce superior results without the need for
water or added compounds. This process is called Dry Tumbling. These media are bases of Walnut Shell Grit, Corn Cob Grit, and others with added abrasives, lubricants, binders, and polishing agents. Please contact us if you need a non-standard stock item as these are sometimes readily available and/or can be produced quickly.
Premium Treated Media | Vibratory Tumbling Media for Dry Finishing
Premium Treated Media is designed for dry finishing applications where a controlled polishing, deburring, or surface-finishing process is required without adding water or separate compounds. Vibratory Tumbling Media can be used in barrel and vibratory finishing equipment to produce consistent results across a range of metal and plastic parts.
Kramer Industries formulates these treated media using bases such as walnut shell grit, corn cob grit, and other materials with added abrasives, lubricants, binders, and polishing agents. The treatment gives the media specific finishing characteristics for applications ranging from abrasive cutting to high polishing.
Dry Tumbling With Premium Treated Media
Premium Treated Media is formulated to produce finishing results without water or added compounds. This process is known as dry tumbling. The treated material moves against the workpiece during the finishing cycle, providing the contact needed for polishing, light deburring, cleaning, or surface refinement.
Vibratory Tumbling Media is useful when parts need repeated, controlled contact with the finishing media. The correct selection depends on the part material, desired process, part size, geometry, media size, and media characteristics. C&M Topline similarly recommends considering the workpiece material, finishing objective, part features, and media size and shape when selecting tumbling media.
Treated Tumbling Media can be selected when the process needs a specific combination of abrasive action, lubrication, binding, or polishing. The treatment and base material work together to produce the desired finishing effect. The term drying media can also appear in finishing discussions, but it should be distinguished from media used specifically for dry tumbling.
Kramer Industries offers multiple grades for different materials and finishing requirements. The product line includes options for hard metals, soft metals, precious metals, plastics, medical and dental components, and other specialized applications.
Vibratory Tumbling Media for Polishing and Deburring
Vibratory Tumbling Media can support high polishing, light deburring, uniform surface finishing, and fragile-part tumbling. Premium Treated Media is also listed for tumbling 3D-printed parts and other applications where a dry process is preferred.
The treatment allows the media to perform more than simple contact finishing. Abrasives can provide cutting action, while lubricants and polishing agents can support smoother surface results. This makes Treated Tumbling Media suitable for processes where the finishing objective is more specific than basic cleaning or deburring.
For parts that require minimal edge rounding, treated media can provide abrasive action while helping maintain the general shape and features of the workpiece. The appropriate grade should be selected according to the material and the required finish.
Kramer Industries provides formulations with different finishing characteristics, allowing users to select a media grade based on the material being processed and the required surface result.
Dry Tumbling Media for Metal and Plastic Parts
dry tumbling media is used when a finishing process is performed without water. Premium Treated Media is specifically designed for this type of process and is available in formulations covering abrasive cutting through high polishing.
The term drying media can refer to media used to remove moisture from parts, but dry tumbling media refers to media used during a dry finishing process. These applications should not be treated as identical simply because both involve a dry operation.
A dry media tumbler can be used with suitable treated media when the equipment, workpiece, and selected grade are compatible. The machine provides the movement while the media provides the finishing interaction with the parts. A dry media tumbler should be operated according to the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations for load and process conditions.
For manufacturers choosing a dry process, factors such as material, part geometry, starting surface condition, desired finish, and required cycle should be evaluated before selecting the media.
Choosing the Right Treated Media Grade
Premium Treated Media is available in multiple grades for different materials and finishing requirements. Pegco GBW is ideal for hard metals such as steel and stainless steel in vibratory and barrel tumbling. Pegco HSC is designed for all metals and works best for polishing applications in high-energy tumbling systems.
Pegco HCW is engineered for soft metals such as aluminum, zinc, and silver in vibratory and barrel tumbling and high-energy systems. Pegco HC is intended for sterling silver and titanium and can also be used for medical and dental parts. Pegco HW is used on steel and stainless steel parts in high-energy tumblers, while Pegco GC is typically used on hard metals such as steel and stainless steel to buff and clean after polishing.
The Pegco J grade is used in high-energy and standard tumblers, typically for jewelry applications. The Pegnut grades provide additional options for specific parts and materials. Pegnut Red is formulated for polishing brass, copper, bronze, and gold. Pegnut Green was originally designed for medical devices and is also suited to silver and white-metal jewelry. BriteNut XA is designed for plastic parts where a high shine is required.
W-36 is used in combination with ceramic media to provide aggressive cutting on hard metals. It works best in barrel tumblers but can also be used in a vibratory system. This provides another option when a dry finishing process requires stronger cutting action.
Media Size and Finishing Requirements
Media size and shape affect how effectively the media reaches part features. Smaller media can access tighter areas, while larger media can provide broader contact on larger surfaces. The selected media should also be sized so it can be separated from the finished parts and does not become lodged in openings.
Vibratory Tumbling Media should be selected according to the required finish as well as the geometry of the part. A formulation intended for polishing is different from one selected for abrasive cutting, so the finishing objective should be established before choosing the grade.
Kramer Industries can also help match a treated grade to the finishing requirement when a standard selection does not provide the desired result. The correct media can help create a repeatable finishing process. For complex parts, sample testing can help confirm the appropriate media type, size, and finishing time before moving to larger production volumes.
Benefits
- No Water
- Near-Mirror Surface Finishing
- Formulated and Engineered Products
- Abrasive with Minimal Edge Rounding
- Multiple Grit/Mesh Sizes to Fit Your Needs
- Abrasive Cutting to High Polishing Formulations
- Custom Designed Formulations Available
- Available for All Metal and Plastic Materials
- Light Tumbling Action for Fragile Parts
Applications
- High polishing on metals and plastics
- Light deburring
- Dry tumbling
- Tumbling 3D printed parts (additive manufacturing)
- Uniform surface finishes
- Fragile part tumbling
Size |
Finishing Factor |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 4.0 | |
| X-Coarse | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| Coarse | NS | NS | S | NS | NS | NS | NS | S | NS |
| Medium | NS | NS | NS | NS | S | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| Fine | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | S | NS |
| X-Fine | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| XX-Fine | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| XXX-Fine | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
S = Standard stock item
NS = Non-Standard stock item (Due to production scheduling, this item may be in stock – Please Contact Us For Availability – If not in stock, a minimum order of 500 lbs is required for manufacture)
Pegco HSC Grade
Designed for all metals. Works best for polishing applications in high energy tumbling systems.
Size |
Finishing Factor |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 4.0 | |
| Coarse | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| Medium | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| Fine | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | S | NS |
S = Standard stock item
NS = Non-Standard stock item (Due to production scheduling, this item may be in stock – Please Contact Us For Availability – If not in stock, a minimum order of 500 lbs is required for manufacture)
Pegco HCW Grade
Engineered for soft metals such as aluminum, zinc, and silver in vibratory and barrel tumbling and high energy systems.
Size |
Finishing Factor |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 4.0 | |
| X-Coarse | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| Coarse | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| Medium | NS | NS | S | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| Fine | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | S |
| X-Fine | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| XX-Fine | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| XXX-Fine | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
S = Standard stock item
NS = Non-Standard stock item (Due to production scheduling, this item may be in stock – Please Contact Us For Availability – If not in stock, a minimum order of 500 lbs is required for manufacture)
Pegco HC Grade
Ideal for sterling silver and titanium in standard and high energy tumblers. Also good for medical and dental parts.
Size |
Finishing Factor |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 4.0 | |
| X-Coarse | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| Coarse | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | S | S | NS | NS |
| Medium | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| Fine | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | S | S | NS | S |
S = Standard stock item
NS = Non-Standard stock item (Due to production scheduling, this item may be in stock – Please Contact Us For Availability – If not in stock, a minimum order of 500 lbs is required for manufacture)
Pegco HW Grade
Used on steel and stainless steel parts in high energy tumblers.
Size |
Finishing Factor |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 4.0 | |
| X-Coarse | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| Coarse | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| Medium | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| Fine | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | S |
| X-Fine | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| XX-Fine | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| XXX-Fine | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
S = Standard stock item
NS = Non-Standard stock item (Due to production scheduling, this item may be in stock – Please Contact Us For Availability – If not in stock, a minimum order of 500 lbs is required for manufacture)
Pegco GC Grade
Typically used on hard metals such as steel and stainless steel to buff and clean after polishing.
Size |
Finishing Factor |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 4.0 | |
| X-Coarse | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| Coarse | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | S | NS | NS |
| Medium | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | S | NS | NS |
| Fine | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | S | NS | NS |
S = Standard stock item
NS = Non-Standard stock item (Due to production scheduling, this item may be in stock – Please Contact Us For Availability – If not in stock, a minimum order of 500 lbs is required for manufacture)
Pegco J Grade
Used in high-energy tumblers and standard tumblers typically for jewelry applications.
Size |
Finishing Factor |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 4.0 | |
| Coarse | S | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS |
| Fine | NS | S | NS | S | NS | NS | NS | NS | S |
S = Standard stock item
NS = Non-Standard stock item (Due to production scheduling, this item may be in stock – Please Contact Us For Availability – If not in stock, a minimum order of 500 lbs is required for manufacture)
Pegco Nut Grades
Various grades of Premium Treated Tumbling Media for specific applications and parts.
Grade |
Description |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pegnut Red | Formulated for polishing metals such as brass, copper, bronze, and gold. The Medium grade is the most common. Used in the standard barrel and vibratory tumblers. | ||||||||
| Pegnut Green | Originally designed for medical devices (titanium and cobalt steel prosthetics). Ideal for silver and white metal jewelry. Medium grade is standard. | ||||||||
| BriteNut XA | Designed for use with plastic parts to provide a high shine. The Medium grade is the most common. Used in the standard barrel and vibratory tumblers. | ||||||||
| W-36 | Used in combination with Ceramic Media to provide aggressive cutting on hard metals. Works best in barrel tumblers but can be used in a vibratory system. | ||||||||
S = Standard stock item
NS = Non-Standard stock item (Due to production scheduling, this item may be in stock – Please Contact Us For Availability – If not in stock, a minimum order of 500 lbs is required for manufacture)
FAQs
Q1. Can you use ceramic media in a vibratory tumbler?
Yes. Ceramic media is compatible with vibratory finishing equipment, and Kramer Industries identifies W-36 as a treated formulation used with ceramic media for aggressive cutting on hard metals. The correct combination depends on the material, finishing objective, and equipment.
Q2. How long to tumble rocks in a vibratory tumbler?
The required time depends on the rock type, starting condition, media, machine, and desired finish. Premium Treated Media is an industrial finishing product, so rock-tumbling users should follow the process recommendations for their specific equipment and material.
Q3. Are vibratory tumblers better than rotary tumblers?
The two machine types provide different finishing actions and are suited to different applications. Vibratory equipment can provide controlled finishing action, while rotary tumblers use a different rolling motion. The appropriate system depends on the part, material, production requirements, and desired result.
Q4. What is treated tumbling media used for?
Treated Tumbling Media is used for polishing, light deburring, dry tumbling, uniform surface finishing, and fragile-part applications. The treatment can add abrasives, lubricants, binders, or polishing agents to the base material.
Q5. What is dry tumbling media?
Dry tumbling media is used in a finishing process without adding water. Premium Treated Media is formulated specifically for dry tumbling and includes grades designed for applications ranging from abrasive cutting to high polishing.
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