Can Casting resin be tumbled?

[theNEWT]

Hi folks.  First post here.   I make small clear casting resin pieces that I would like to sand/polish via machine rather than use the time consuming laborious hand methods. I have ordered a Lortone 3A tumbler which I also wish to use to polish coins and sedimentary fossilised rock pieces.

But my main question that I'm having trouble finding an answer to is can I finish or at least near finish clear casting resin pieces with a tumbler?

Thanks in advance
Mark

[Aussie Sapphire]

Do you need to remove casting mould marks or just polish? Are the pieces intricately shaped?

With a rotary tumbler, if you try to sand off mould marks, it can result in excessive sanding on other parts of the piece but if just polishing, it may be possible with a soft organic media such as nut shell or hardwood cubes charged with a suitable polish.

We have sold vibratory tumblers to customers tumbling resin pieces (often jewellery) - media varies according to desired finish (some want a matte finish while others take through to final polish). However, tumbling any plastic or relatively soft item can be tricky - tumbling is not always suitable and the best process will require some trial and error.

Hope this helps.

cheers
Leah

[theNEWT]

Thanks for that.  The shapes are very simple, all external rounded etc. Doesn't matter if the shape is changed slightly by abrasive wear.  Basically I grind off the section where I poured the mold, so they will go into the tumbler with some rough areas.  Hopefully I can find some media that will be suitable. I'd like to take them as far to the polished end as possible to save time.  So in a nutshell, it appears to be possible to use a tumbler, but the abrasive mediums used will be the tricky bit.  I appreciate your advice.

Thanks
Mark

[Aussie Sapphire]

You can use an abrasive media to help with sanding the rough areas around the mould marks - either ceramic or plastic media with abrasive embedded.   This is normally a wet process - some add additional abrasive (silicon carbide grit or the like) to boost action. Just need to play around a bit to get the best combination for desired result.

A rotary tumbler will round shapes more than a vibe tumbler.

For polishing, might be better to go dry with an organic media charged with compound suitable for polishing plastics.

cheers
Leah

[theNEWT]

Great help - thanks. I'll let you know how and I go and probably ask more advice.,.......hot today.