A vibratory rock tumbler, also called vibratory rock polisher or vibratory rock polishing machine, is usually a bowl-shaped machine that employs abrasives and vibrations to smooth and polish rocks, gemstones and other materials. Unlike rotary tumblers, through its unique shape, the vibratory rock tumbler vibrates causing the abrasives and rocks to grind as they move against each other. This removes scratches, imperfections and sharp edges, transforming them into attractive and polished pieces.
The working mechanism of the vibratory rock tumbler is through high frequency vibration of approximately 3000 vibrations per minute. This vibration causes constant friction that smoothens the surfaces of materials, polishing them to a desired finish.
It has a wide variety of applications including deburring and cleaning small plastic and metal pieces, finishing and smoothing metal components and parts, polishing gemstones and rocks for crafts and jewellery making and preparing specimens for geological displays and studies.
Close
Rax Machine: Your Premier Vibratory Rock Tumbler Manufacturer
Rax Machine has been a leading manufacturer in China, supplying a range of Vibratory Rock Tumblers since 1996. With over 20 years of experience in manufacturing and exporting Vibratory Rock Tumblers, we can help you save over 50% on expenses and achieve better margins while ensuring top-quality products.
Features of Our Products:
Low noise and compact design
High-quality fibre body
Special HDPE rubber mould to offer durability
3 size available: 10 litre, 12 litre, and 17 litres
Small footprint
Optional speed control
Electricity power supply 220V 50/60HZ or 110V 50/60HZ
Safety features such as automatic shut-off and secure lid closures
Are you looking forward to saving time and money in your rock-tumbling business? Right, this guide will enlighten you on why our vibratory rock tumbler is the best choice for you.
The Basic Principle of the Vibratory Rock Tumbler
The working principle of rock tumble is the repetitive friction and impact to reduce a thousand-year process into a few days. The motor is the primary component of the tumbler that utilises an alternating electric current to generate a changing magnetic field.
Gears change the spinning rate of the vibratory rock tumbler. Then, weight is unevenly distributed on the spinning object to make the barrel of a vibratory tumble vibrate. Inside the tumbler, fine grit and water are placed in a solution with minerals and water. The water iteratively and slowly eats away the rock while the grit offers the sandpaper friction to speed up the process.
The rocks collide as they tumble into each other, trapping grit in between them and making the smallest pieces fall off. The friction of grit and rock is essential in a vibratory tumbler to prevent rocks from colliding.
How to use the vibratory rock tumbler?
Before using the vibratory rock tumbler, you need to understand that taking care of mechanical equipment regularly is key to its long life. Ensure you do the following few things between the loads before you start.
Dispose of the water and grit in a safe location
Gently but thoroughly wash the barrel, ensuring all the old girt is removed out.
Insert the rocks you selected to tumble.
Replace the barrel and ensure that all moving pieces are not squeezed but tight.
Place the tumbler in a flat and sound-insulated area and start it up.
Things to check before tumbling the rocks
Put rocks of similar hardness and size together to make their collisions less damaging and more predictable.
Ensure the barrel is from ½ to ¾ full, with two-thirds the most recommended one.
Discard any rocks with apparent cracks or fractures
Remove rocks with cavities or pores to prevent trapping the grit
Polishing Rocks: Material List
A vibratory rock tumbler
Soap flakes (recommended- ivory soap flakes)
Silicon carbide grit, polish and pre-polish (e.g., diamond, cerium oxide, tin oxide)
Filler (Plastic pellets are best)
Rocks (for better results, include both large and small rocks)
Using the vibratory rock tumbler step by step
Fill the bowl of the tumbler with grit material to ¾ full. If the rock is insufficient to fill the bowl to the ¾ level, then add other filler or plastic pellets.
Add the necessary amount of silicon carbide grit and water. You can start with the amount or quantities indicated in the manual instruction and keep records to determine how the polishing was impacted with the changes.
Close the lid of the tumbler and switch on the vibrator. Allow it to run for about a day, ensuring that slurry id forming. Monitor some changes like evaporation, particularly if the external temperature is hot, and add water regularly to the consistency of the slurry.
Remove the load and rinse the rocks and the bowl thoroughly with water once the roundness and smoothness of the rock are attained.
Take the rock back to the bowl and add a tablespoon of soap flakes and then add water until the rocks are fully covered. For approximately 30 minutes, vibrate the mixture and rinse the bowl and the rocks. This step needs to be repeated twice.
Return the rocks to the bowl and begin polishing them with the next grit
Wash or rinse the stones following the final polish step and allow them to dry up.
Benefits of a Vibratory Rock Tumbler
Cost effective
The vibratory rock tumbler can reduce the time required by a rotary tumbler to tumble stones by 50%. This allows you to process extra stones each month and save money on electricity per pound of processed rock.
Efficiency
Through its faster polishing cycles, the vibratory rock tumbler facilitates quicker abrasion between the materials and tumbling media, minimising the general tumbling time.
Gentle Polishing
Typically, the vibratory rock tumbler vibrates gently, ensuring that softer and more delicate materials such as fragile gemstones to certain metals are well-polished without damaging them.
Versatility
Through its unique design, the vibratory rock tumbler can be used to polish different materials such as plastics, metals, and gemstones. This makes it a useful tool for jewelry makers and hobbyists.
Consistent results
The vibratory rock tumbler ensures that finished materials are smooth and consistent, which improves their appearance and texture.
Low maintenance
Durability is an aspect that defines a vibratory rock tumbler. This makes it require minimal maintenance, including occasional lubrication and regular cleaning for optimum functionality.
Conclusion
At Rax Machine, we got you covered with our unique vibratory rock tumblers. You will not only benefit from top-notch quality and exceptional service, but also competitive factory prices. We’re always committed to the excellence, versatility and efficiency you seek. Come and experience the benefits of customer-centric solutions and superior craftsmanship with Rax Machine!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What type of materials need to be polished using a vibratory rock tumbler?
Based on its unique design and customization, a vibratory rock tumbler can be used to polish various materials such as gemstones, plastics, metals and rocks.
How long should I polish rocks using a vibratory rock tumbler?
Typically, the polishing duration varies from some hours to certain days depending on how you would like your finished material to appear.
How safe is it to operate a vibratory rock tumbler at home?
Our vibratory rock tumblers are specially designed for safety and ease of use even at home settings. Please follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines and instructions for safe operation.
Is it advisable to use several types of tumbling media in one session?
Yes, you can utilise various types of tumbling media in different phases to attain different polishing effects on your rocks.
How often can the vibratory rock tumbler be cleaned and maintained?
By regularly and thoroughly cleaning the vibratory rock tumbler after using and occasionally performing maintenance checks to facilitate its optimum performance.
The working principle of rock tumble is the repetitive friction and impact to reduce a thousand-year process into a few days. The motor is the primary component of the tumbler that utilises an alternating electric current to generate a changing magnetic field.
Cost effective