Barrel Rolling

Barrel rolling and tumbling are quite alike operations, except that the barrel is loaded just to 40 to 60% capacity, whereas in tumbling a drum is packed nearly full generally.

Abrasive, such like cinders, granite chips, slag, sharp sand, alundum or carborundum are placed in the barrel along with the workpieces, along with water or a dilute acid solution. Sometimes, mineral water or scrap punchings are added up to the wet rolling. Hard wood dust or leather scraps are used in dry rolling to keep the workpieces separated. Since the barrel turns, the mass rolls over & falls to the bottom of the barrel. This motion cuts down the surface into the parts.