BRM Official Blog

The Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM) Blog is ending the year by looking back at how we’ve helped readers find solutions to surface finishing challenges in 2017.

As a full-line manufacturer of flexible honing tools and industrial brushes, we’ve covered a variety of topics. Here are our Top 7 Blog Posts for the year.

NamPower wheel brushes are great for removing sharp edges from metal parts such as cutting tools, turbine blades, gears, shafts, and extrusion cut-offs. In addition to removing burrs, NamPower wheels create a desired edge radius and impart a superior surface finish.

BRM’s NamPower Resource Guide explains how to select and use these nylon abrasive brushing tools, but are they really the right choice for your application? Here are ten reasons to try NamPower wheels for your next deburring, edge radiusing, or surface finishing project.

Wheel brushes can remove burrs and improve surface finish, but cutting tool manufacturers need the best tools to get the best results – especially with machined parts made of harder materials.   

NamPower wheel brushes with diamond abrasive filaments are the right choice to meet this challenge. They control the edge radius and polish the flue reliefs on cutting tools made of CBN, ceramic, cermet, high-speed steel, and tool steels. NamPower diamond wheels can remove hard coatings like nitride, too.

Today, cutting tool manufacturers are using NamPower diamond wheels to surface finish and deburr parts such as carbide inserts, drill bits, end mills, taps, reamers, gear hobs, and shapes. What do these part manufacturers know about NamPower than can help you save time and money?

Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM), maker of Flex-Hone® tools and NamPower technology, will exhibit at WESTEC, the West Coast’s premiere manufacturing tradeshow.

From September 12 to 14, BRM will showcase surface finishing and deburring tools in Booth #2408 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

When you visit BRM at WESTEC, you’ll see videos of our products in action. You'll also have a chance to talk to our technical team. If you bring us your part drawings, we’ll recommend the right BRM tools for your application.

There are plenty of reasons to visit BRM at WESTEC, but here are four you won’t want to miss.

Metal shafts are rotating elements that transmit power in machinery and equipment. They can be finished to size by turning and grinding, but shaft manufacturers need to impart a final finish that promotes proper performance. Otherwise, friction-related problems can occur.

For example, shafts that are too smooth may adhere to plain bearings. Shafts that are too rough are also problematic because of abrasion-induced friction. Wire wheel brushes and non-woven abrasives can improve a shaft’s surface finish, but these tools raise concerns about safety and performance.

For superior surface finishing and deburring, shaft manufacturers use NamPower wheel brushes from Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM).  These nylon abrasive brushing tools provide important advantages in terms of brush construction and performance.

Gear manufacturers need to meet tough requirements for dimensional accuracy, tooth spacing, and gear form. To remove burrs and improve surface finish, nylon abrasive wheel brushes are used. For both machine-based and off-hand deburring, NamPower wheel brushes from Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM) are an excellent choice.

NamPower wheel brushes feature nearly-indestructible cores and long-lasting nylon abrasive filaments. These high-performance industrial brushes are a safe, durable alternative to wire wheels and non-woven abrasives. With their well-balanced construction, NamPower wheels reduce machine fatigue. There’s less filament breakage, too. Plus, NamPower technology supports shorter cycle times.

For gear manufacturers who want to know more about NamPower wheel brushes, here are some basics to get you started on the road to gear deburring and surface finishing success. 

End mills are cutting tools used in industrial milling applications. They feature cutting edges called flutes that require sharp cutting edges and high rake angles.  End mills with two or four flutes are common, but some tools have as many as eight flutes to reduce chip loading. Often, end mills are made of harder materials like carbide or cobalt, and are coated to promote tool life at increased cutting speeds.

For end mill manufacturers, tool geometry and surface finish are critical. Otherwise, these cutting tools can fail prematurely or impart lines and ridges to the workpiece. Micro-burrs that form along the edge of the tool can create stress points, too. For flute polishing, edge radiusing, and surface improvement, NamPower diamond abrasive wheels from Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM) are a smart choice.

HOUSTEX lasts three days, hosts hundreds of leading manufacturers, and attracts thousands of industry professionals who affect purchasing decisions. For advanced technologies and innovative solutions, the Southwest’s premiere manufacturing event is where you can do more than read a brochure. For must-see surface finishing and deburring tools, visit BRM in Booth #2826.

For parts deburring, surface finishing, and edge radiusing, NamPower wheel brushes get great results. Brush Research Manufacturing's  NamPower wheels have molded cores for higher filament densities. This balanced construction puts more cutting tips at the point of attack for better brush performance, less filament breakage, and more even brush wear.

Cutting tools remove material from a workpiece by shear deformation. They include single-point tools for turning, shaping, and planning; and multi-point tools for milling, drilling, and grinding. Often, cutting tools feature inserts or replaceable tips. These tipped tools, such as endmills and reamers, need to be made of heat-resistant materials that are harder than the material to be cut. 

All cutting tools require a specific geometry, with clearance angles that allow the cutting edge to contact the workpiece cleanly. The angle of the cutting face is also important. For cutting tool manufacturers, product optimization requires surface finishing. For removing burrs and optimizing surface quality, NamPower diamond wheels provide consistent, high-quality results.