One of the most nagging problems in manufacturing is the deburring holes. Burrs are always created where the crossholes exist. Getting at the burrs, let alone removing them, can be a real challenge.

A handful of methods are commonly employed for dealing with these burrs, but these methods have their drawbacks. In the case of hand-held solutions, they are off-line processes. Parts need to be handled and/or moved from machining to deburring. This extra handling, queue, transport, etc. represent non-value added operations. Furthermore, manual deburring introduces inevitable risk of damage to critical bore surfaces. Manual deburring, as everyone knows, is very labor intensive, as well as craft sensitive.

Alternatively, automated deburring on the CNC introduces its own set of challenges. Complex intersections require intricate programming to remove material in the right places, while limiting damage to adjacent surfaces. This can be especially difficult in angled, off center, and 1:1 hole ratio intersections. Parts with a wide range of hole sizes require several different tools, further complicating the programming required while taking up valuable space in a tool changer.

J.W. Done Corporation developed the ORBITOOL® in response to all of these common problems. It is the only deburring tool capable of both manual and in-process automated deburring of cross-drilled holes. The ORBITOOL removes burrs specifically from the intersection of the crossholes, while protecting all other critical surfaces from damage due to its innovative design. One tool may be used on several hole sizes, freeing up space in the tool changer and simplifying programming. The operation can be tailored to leave a minimally broken edge or a blended radius.