Professional Deburring in Metalworking with Highly Efficient LISSMAC Deburring Machines in the USA

What is a burr?

In sheet metalworking, a burr is a small, raised edge or rough ridge left on the metal after cutting, punching, or machining. It’s usually an unwanted byproduct caused by material deformation or tearing during the cutting process. Burrs can affect part quality, safety, paint adhesion, and assembly, making burr removal a critical step carried out using deburring machines as part of the overall metalworking operation.

 

Applications

Thin Sheet Metal Processing

In modern metalworking, thin-gauge sheet metal parts are often laser-cut or punched, leaving residual raised edges and other external imperfections. These require deburring and edge rounding before moving on to further production stages. LISSMAC USA deburring machines are designed to meet specific needs based on part geometry, quantity, material type, and technical requirements - ensuring optimal and repeatable results in every production step. Due to the thin nature of the material, sheet metal is more easily deformed during the punching operation. Uneven parts are harder to deburr, and may require leveling or need upward and downward fixing during deburring, e.g., with double-sided treatment on the LISSMAC SBM series. Our machines ensure efficient removal of metal flash, even on complex geometries, ensuring smooth edges and improved product quality.

Thick Sheet (Plate) Metal Processing

When working with plate or thick metal parts, especially plasma-cut parts in demanding metalworking operations, stubborn burrs and slag can form. These can be difficult and time-consuming to remove manually.

Plate metal parts are inherently heavier than thin sheet parts—something to consider when selecting a machine. One-sided machines such as the SMD and many other common deburring machines require two passes, meaning the part needs to be turned. However, these solutions achieve higher degrees of edge rounding (up to a radius of 2 mm) in a single pass. Double-sided machines eliminate the need to turn parts, as they process the material on both the top and bottom simultaneously.

The deburring process

Deburring unit

The deburring process is performed using abrasive belts or abrasive brushes. Common abrasive materials used on grinding belts include corundum, silicon carbide, and ceramic. The grit size may vary from P 36 to P 180, with the higher number representing smaller grit size, which results in finer material removal with lower aggressiveness. The selection of the grinding belt and material is determined by the required surface quality, aggressiveness, removal-to-time ratio, tool stand time, and the material to be ground.

Rate of removal

On a LISSMAC machine, the rate of material removal is determined by three factors: grinding tool material/grit, feed rate, and depth of cut (infeed). Properly balancing these factors will yield the ideal deburring result without scarring the part’s surface.

Wet vs. Dry Processing

Wet treatment is usually employed during surface finishing. LISSMAC USA machines offer both wet and dry methods, but unless a specific coating finish (such as non-directional finishes) is required, dry operation is usually sufficient.

Interior and exterior contours

Using an innovative combination of pressure rollers on the grinding belts as well as guiding the workpiece, abrasive pressure can be applied evenly to burrs on both inner and outer contours.

Double-sided vs. single-sided processing

LISSMAC USA’s unique double-sided dry machining enables the simultaneous treatment of both internal and external contours in a single pass. This significantly increases productivity and consistency, as no manual turning is required. Our SBM series (XS, M, L, XL) offers various working widths and unit configurations to suit different materials and production volumes. Choose double-sided machines if machine footprint is critical on tight shop floors, if turning parts in multiple passes needs to be eliminated, or if the workpiece dimensions and specifications fit the SBM range.

One-sided machines, like the SMD series, still have their advantages. One-sided machines may achieve higher-spec surfaces, such as directional or non-directional finishes, and can provide higher degrees of edge rounding (up to a 2 mm radius). One-sided machines generally have lower acquisition costs than comparable double-sided models, though this is later offset by higher energy costs and reduced efficiency due to part handling. Both one- and double-sided solutions have their merits.

LISSMAC machines – specially adapted for the U.S. market

Our advanced deburring machines aren’t just designed for Europe – we also offer specially adapted models for the North American market. All machines are available in a U.S. version with 480 V / 60 Hz.

All machines come with the required voltage configuration and certifications, allowing for safe, direct operation in the US without the need for on-site modifications. Our US team also offer superb after sale support, reliable machines and spare parts stocks.

Maintenance, Parts, and Warranty Support in the USA

LISSMAC USA offers Preventative Maintenance (PM) plans designed to ensure that your investment in our machines lasts for many years. While maintaining and servicing our machines is typically a straightforward task, we provide these plans for customers who prefer the convenience and expertise of our personalized service. Additionally, LISSMAC maintains an extensive inventory of spare parts valued at approximately $400,000, all available for immediate shipment from within the USA. This allows for quick delivery and ensures that your operations can continue without unnecessary downtime. All LISSMAC machines are covered by a standard warranty, which can be extended when paired with our PM plans, giving you added peace of mind and long-term protection for your equipment.

Further Applications on Metal deburring machines

Edge Rounding:

Sharp edges are rounded to improve handling safety and coating adhesion while reducing rust risk. Edge rounding up to 2 mm radius is possible on all sides.

Surface Grinding:

High-quality surface finishes may be required on select parts, for example on aluminum and stainless steel parts. The highest level of finishing can be achieved on wet grinding machines, e.g. from the SMW series.

Slag Removal:

Plasma and flame-cutting methods may produce unwanted, heavy slag. Our machines remove slag, ensuring clean parts and improved paint coating adhesion in later stages.

Oxide Layer Removal:

Laser-cutting, mainly with CO2 lasers, but also with newer fiber lasers, may result in oxid layers or splashes on cut parts. However, removing oxidation from edges is crucial for subsequent treatments like painting or coating. Our brush units ensure thorough oxide removal for improved adhesion and corrosion protection.

Automated Deburring Machines and Automation Cells by LISSMAC

LISSMAC USA offers innovative automated deburring machines combined with fully automated robot cells for efficient sheet metal processing. Equipped with AI software and 3D vision, the cells automatically detect parts and control robot movements without programming effort. Flexible grippers ensure secure handling of diverse geometries, including compley shapes and small parts. Our turnkey solutions, including enclosures and conveyor systems, integrate seamlessly into existing production workflows. These automation cells reduce labor, boost productivity, and are ideal for small batch sizes with high variety.