Centrifugal barrel-finisher tumblers for precision machining

The HZ-40 and HZ-85 centrifugal barrel-finisher tumblers for precision machining applications from Mass Finishing Inc. (MFI) use the pressure and friction created through centrifugal force to quickly deburr, radius edges and polish part surfaces, producing uniform finishes in an operation that is quieter than vibratory tumblers. The systems achieve isotropic finishes, meaning parts are polished evenly in all directions – a result difficult to achieve with hand finishing or conventional methods.

For common precision-machined materials such as titanium, aluminum, Inconel, Nitinol, carbon steel, stainless steel and precious metals, the HZ-40 (pictured above) uses a range of finishing media – including ceramic, plastic, porcelain and natural options like corn cob and walnut shell – in various shapes and sizes to optimize finishing results. One of MFI’s most popular industrial finishing machines, the HZ-40 is ideal for shops producing tight-tolerance components that require consistent surface quality.

Its small footprint (4′ x 3′) makes it easy to integrate into machining cells and production environments without sacrificing finishing speed or results. Its compact size and multiple barrel styles provide flexibility for a wide range of industries, from medical and aerospace to general machining.

With a larger working capacity, MFI’s HZ-85 centrifugal barrel-finisher tumbler (pictured) is suited for higher-volume precision machining operations requiring fast, repeatable surface finishing. The machine features four oversized barrels and delivers intensified centrifugal force to accelerate deburring, polishing and radiusing while maintaining uniform finishes across complex geometries. With increased load capacity and configurable divider systems to minimize part-on-part contact, the HZ-85 supports greater throughput and reduced cycle times for batch processing of precision components.

At IMTS, the HZ-85 machine will also be equipped with an optional parts and media separator to demonstrate simplifying the separation process. Operators can dump fully loaded barrels directly into the separator, where the system then uses its vibrations to separate finished parts from the media used.

Centrifugal barrel finishing, also known as centrifugal barrel tumbling, operates on the “Ferris Wheel” principle with a one-to-one ratio of barrel rotation to turret rotation. The process involves loading one or all four chambers with a mixture of parts, water, compound and media, typically filled to 50-80% capacity. As the machine rotates, the barrels spin around the turret in a planetary motion, creating a highly effective sliding force that rapidly refines part surfaces.

Additionally, the company recently received its ISO 9001:2015 certification, and manufactures all of its equipment within the U.S.

The machines will be showcased at IMTS 2026 from Sept. 14-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, booth 338009 in the South Building.