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Vibratory Finishing Equipment

SBB Series Vibratory Finishing Systems

Modern Vibratory Finishing Designed for Today’s Production Environment

The ALMCO SBB Series combines proven vibratory finishing performance with a modern bowl design engineered for production efficiency, simplified part separation, and automated operation. Available in multiple sizes and configurations, SBB systems provide consistent deburring, edge radiusing, cleaning, burnishing, and surface finishing while helping manufacturers reduce manual handling and increase throughput.

Designed with integrated media and part separation capabilities, the SBB Series allows operators to process and unload parts efficiently while maintaining the flexibility required for a wide range of manufacturing applications. From machine shops and contract manufacturers to automotive and aerospace suppliers, the SBB Series delivers reliable performance in demanding production environments.

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SBB-8 Vibratory Bowl

MODEL COMPARISON

COMPARE AVAILABLE MODELS

SBB-Series Vibratory Bowl
SBB-8 Vibratory Bowl

SBB-8 Vibratory Bowl

Compact vibratory finishing system designed for efficient deburring, edge radiusing, cleaning, and surface refinement of smaller production batches.

  • Compact footprint for space-conscious facilities
  • Integrated media and part separation system
  • Ideal for small to medium production volumes
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SBB-Series Vibratory Bowl
SBB-12 Vibratory Bowl

SBB-12 Vibratory Bowl

Versatile mid-size vibratory finisher that balances processing capacity, efficiency, and consistent finishing performance across a wide range of applications.

  • Excellent balance of throughput and floor space
  • Integrated separation for simplified unloading
  • Ideal for general manufacturing applications
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SBB-Series Vibratory Bowl
SBB-24 Vibratory Bowl

SBB-24 Vibratory Bowl

High-capacity vibratory finishing system engineered for larger batch sizes and demanding production environments requiring maximum throughput.

  • Largest capacity in the standard SBB lineup
  • Designed for high-volume production operations
  • Integrated separation reduces handling and labor requirements
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Why Choose the OR Series?

  • Integrated Part Separation – Built-in separation systems help streamline unloading and reduce operator involvement.
  • Automation Friendly – Designed to support continuous production environments and automated workflows.
  • Consistent Finishing Results – Produces repeatable deburring, edge radiusing, cleaning, and polishing results across a wide range of part types.
  • Modern Production Platform – Combines proven vibratory finishing technology with features designed for today’s manufacturing requirements.

COMMON APPLICATIONS

  • Deburring – Remove burrs and sharp edges from machined, stamped, laser-cut, and cast components.
  • Edge Radiusing – Create smooth, consistent edge conditions on precision components.
  • Surface Refinement – Improve cosmetic appearance and prepare surfaces for downstream operations.
  • Cleaning – Remove oils, residues, and manufacturing contaminants.
  • Burnishing & Polishing – Enhance surface finish and improve component appearance.

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SBB Model Comparison

Spec SBB-8 SBB-12 SBB-24
Working Capacity 8 12 24
Overall Dimensions (In) 80 × 60 × 46 90 × 74 × 44 96 × 82 × 52
Channel Cross Section 12″ 13″ 17.5″
Estimated Once Around Time 2-3 Minutes 3-6 Minutes 5-8 Minutes
Power Consumption 50 Amps 70 Amps 90 Amps
Ceramic Media Required (lbs) 760 1140 2280
Steel Media Required (lbs) 2400 3600 7200
Plastic Media Required (lbs) 520 780 1560
Maximum Part Size 12″ Diameter 15″ Diameter 19″ Diameter

SYSTEM DETAILS

The Gate and Screen Activated

Internal Part/Media Separation

The bowl includes a built-in parts/media separator that consists of a horizontal screen (located near the top of the bowl) and a pivoting dam. The polyurethane-lined dam and plastisol-coated screen are used together to separate parts from media within the bowl.

The dam is manually controlled by a lever that extends out the side of the machine, and as the lever is moved, the dam pivots upward approximately 45 degrees to meet the screen, forcing the vibrating parts and media to flow up over the dam and across the screen. The manual lever can be replaced with an automatic pneumatic arm with a pushbutton added to the control panel.

The media falls through the openings in the screen and back into the bowl, while the parts ride on top of the screen and discharge out the machine to the next operation.

Lining of the Process Bowl

Urethane Lined Process Bowl

The 8 cubic foot processing bowl is a heavily gusseted, circular weldment. The “working channel” within the bowl has a U-shaped cross section lined throughout with 1″ thick cast polyurethane. The channel depth decreases as the channel progresses around the bowl, giving the machine its “SBB” name (“Spiral-Bottom Bowl”). The progressively rising channel allows for easy discharge of process parts from the bowl.

SBB Spray System for adding water and compound to process.

SBB Spray System

Integrated Rinse System

Mounted above the working channel of the bowl is the machine’s spray system, which is used to spray water and/or finishing compound onto the contents of the bowl.  The underside of the bowl is equipped with two molded polyurethane drain plates that allow continuous drainage of liquid and fines from the bowl as the machine runs.

How SBBs Work

How SBBs Work

How it Works

The vibrating motion of the machine’s spring-mounted processing bowl is generated by the bowl vibrator assembly. This unit consists of a vertical shaft having a counterweight mounted on each end, with the shaft turning in a pair of spherical roller bearings pressed into precision-machined housings. The vibrator assembly is bolted to the bowl such that the vertical shaft runs down through the hollow center of the bowl, extending beneath the bowl within the machine base.

In operation, the out-of-phase counterweights on the spinning vibrator shaft create an imbalance that causes the spring-mounted processing bowl to rapidly “wobble” on its springs. This vibrating action in turn causes the mass of parts and media within the bowl to vibrate, roll, and progress around the bowl in an orderly fashion. The “action” (roll and progression) of parts and media within the bowl can be controlled by adjusting the speed of the vibrator shaft, changing the amount of upper and/or lower counterweight, and also by changing the angular relation between the upper and lower counterweights.

SBB-8 Drive Unit

SBB-8 Drive Unit

Drive Unit

The vibrator assembly is driven by a 7-1/2 HP, 1800 RPM TEFC electric motor powered by an AC variable frequency drive. The motor mounts to the machine base, and the drive sheave on the motor is connected by V-belt to a companion sheave on the vibrator assembly. Frequency of vibration is variable and can be adjusted between from 800 to 1400 cycles per minute by turning a potentiometer dial located on the main electrical enclosure.

SBB PLC Electrical Upgrade

SBB PLC Electrical Upgrade

Electrical Controls

Electrical controls are housed in a free-standing enclosure. Components within the enclosure are finger-safe and are Allen-Bradley brand unless noted otherwise. Components include a main disconnect switch, fuse holders and branch circuit fuses, wireways, terminal strips, a 115 Volt control circuit transformer, master control relay, and a PowerFlex AC variable frequency drive. The process cycle timer, automatic dam controls (if provided) and all other process control pushbuttons and indicating lights are mounted on the front door of the main electrical enclosure. Buttons and lights are Allen-Bradley brand.

Machine Base

  • Heavy gauge steel cylindrical weldment base
  • Process bowl supported by ring-shaped plate with heavy-duty coil-wound springs
  • Floor pads to secure machine
  • Removable access panels

OPTIONS & UPGRADES

SBB PLC Electrical Upgrade

PLC CONTROLLER

The standard control panel can be upgraded to feature a touchscreen HMI interface with PLC controller to allow for greater process control and increased automation.

SBB Spray System for adding water and compound to process.

Compound Dosing

ALMCO offers flexible options for delivering compound to your process. These include both machine and wall mounted systems.

SBB-8 Sound Hood

SOUND HOOD

The integrated sound hood helps reduce the noise level of the machine. The metal revolving door and frame are lined with acoustic foam to dampen vibration noise.

Water Recycling

Depending on your application, ALMCO offers a variety of solutions to treat the waste water generated during the tumbling process.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What materials can the machine process?

Vibratory bowl tumblers are commonly used for:

  • Steel and stainless steel
  • Aluminum
  • Brass and copper
  • Zinc die-cast parts
  • Plastic components

They are typically used for deburring, polishing, burnishing, cleaning, descaling, and edge radiusing.

What machine size do I need?

Machine size depends on:

  • Part dimensions
  • Batch volume
  • Daily production requirements
  • Required cycle time

ALMCO technicians will help you calculate capacity based on part volume, media-to-part ratio, and desired throughput.

What finish can I achieve?

Typical finishing objectives include:

  • Deburring
  • Surface smoothing
  • Edge radiusing
  • Satin finishing
  • Bright polishing
  • Burnishing
  • Pre-paint or pre-plating preparation

The final finish depends on the machine, media, compound, and cycle time.

Which media should I use?

Common media options include:

  • Ceramic media – aggressive deburring and polishing
  • Plastic media – suitable for softer metals and delicate parts
  • Steel media – burnishing and bright finishing
  • Organic media (corn cob, walnut shell) – drying and final polishing

Media selection is one of the most important factors affecting performance and finish quality. ALMCO technicians will help you determine the best media for your application.

Can one machine handle multiple part types?

Yes, you can utilize different media and parts in the same bowl. Different parts and materials may require different size and shaped media depending on their outside geometry. If the same media works for multiple size components then you can run them consecutively.

Does it come with sound-dampening features?

The sound level is highly dependent on the type of tumbling media and the parts running in the tub. ALMCO offers an integrated acoustic sound lid to help dampen the noise. Some customers choose to build an insulated room around the tub to further eliminate sound.

What operating costs should I expect?

Cost of ownership includes

  • Replenishing the media as it wears down in size
  • Cleaning compounds
  • Water consumption
  • Electricity to run the machine motors depending on the amperage
  • Maintenance and spare parts

Media consumption and compound usage often represent the largest recurring expenses.

Is automatic separation available?

A key feature of vibratory bowls is their ability for internal separation. The SBB-8s spiral bottom design allows media and parts to flow easily around the processing channel and up to the separation screen deck when a gate is engaged.

The SBB line can be equipped with:

  • Pneumatic gate
  • A gate clearing sequence that runs the machine in reverse
  • Automated timers and automatic speed adjustment to slow down the process as parts leave the machine.

These features reduce labor and improve production efficiency.

Should I choose a vibratory bowl or a vibratory tub?

Vibratory bowls are best for:
• Parts smaller than six inches in diameter
• High-volume batch production
• Automatic media separation
A vibratory tub is usually preferred for:
• Long parts
• Larger parts that require separation using dividers
• Heavy components
• Parts that could become damaged in a bowl’s circular action

What are the questions I need to answer before buying an ALMCO machine?

  1. What is my daily production volume?
  2. What finish do I need?
  3. What are my part dimensions and material?
  4. Which media will be required?
  5. Do I need wet or dry processing?
  6. Do I need automatic separation?
  7. What is my budget for both equipment and consumables?
  8. How much floor space is available?
  9. What level of automation do I require?
  10. What ROI or throughput improvement am I expecting?

These are the questions most industrial buyers ask when evaluating ALMCO vibratory bowl and other finishing equipment.

What cycle time should I expect?

Cycle times are dependent on:

  • The surface hardness of the material
  • Starting surface roughness of the part
  • Burr type
  • Surface finish requirements
  • Media type

Some cleaning applications or very light edge break may be accomplishing in one pass through the bowl. Heavy deburring or polishing applications can require several hours.

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