The ALMCO 2SF-48CRA is a high-speed spindle finishing system designed for precision deburring, edge radiusing, surface blending, and polishing of complex, high-value components. Utilizing dual spindles, variable-speed media movement, and an integrated Rotary Actuator (RA), the system delivers highly repeatable finishing results while supporting automated production environments and robotic part handling.
Sutton-Spindle Series
2SF-48CRA Spindle Finishing Machine
OVERVIEW
2SF-48CRA SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The ALMCO 2SF-48CRA is engineered for manufacturers requiring consistent, automated finishing of precision components with complex geometries. Unlike traditional batch finishing systems, parts are individually fixtured to rotating spindles and immersed in a rapidly moving abrasive media bed, allowing every component to receive controlled and repeatable finishing action.
The system utilizes two independently operating spindles that rotate parts through the media while the media bed moves in the opposite direction. This creates aggressive, multi-directional media contact capable of removing burrs, blending machined surfaces, improving edge condition, and refining surface finishes in cycle times often measured in less than one minute.
A defining feature of the 2SF-48CRA is its integrated Rotary Actuator (RA) system. During processing, the spindle automatically pivots between multiple positions, allowing media to approach the part from different angles. This capability improves access to undercuts, recessed features, internal passages, and complex geometries without requiring manual repositioning of the workpiece. The result is improved finish consistency and greater process automation.
Designed with automation in mind, the 2SF-48CRA supports repeatable load and unload positions for robotic part handling and unattended operation. Combined with dual-spindle operation and short cycle times, the system provides exceptional throughput for manufacturers seeking to eliminate labor-intensive hand finishing processes.
Whether processing aerospace components, medical devices, firearm components, powertrain parts, or complex machined products, the 2SF-48CRA delivers the precision, consistency, and productivity required by today’s manufacturing environments.
KEY ADVANTAGES
- Dual-spindle configuration increases throughput
- Rotary Actuator provides multi-angle media exposure
- Excellent access to undercuts, pockets, and recessed features
- Cycle times often under one minute per spindle
- Ideal for robotic loading and unattended operation
- Highly repeatable finishing process
- Reduces labor-intensive hand deburring and polishing
- Supports deburring, edge radiusing, blending, and polishing in a single platform
COMMON APPLICATIONS
- Aerospace components
- Medical implants and instruments
- Firearm slides, frames, and precision parts
- Transmission and powertrain components
- Hydraulic and pneumatic components
- Additively manufactured metal parts
- Precision-machined components with complex geometries
- High-value parts requiring repeatable surface finishing
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Dimensions (In) | 120 x 75 x 65 |
| # of Spindles | 2 |
| Tub Diameter (In) | 48 |
| Tub Depth (In) | 18 |
| Maximum Part Diameter (In) | 16 |
| Max Tub Speed (SFM) | 900 |
| Tub Drive (HP) | 10 HP, 1725 RPM AC motor |
| Spindle Speed | 20 RPM |
| Voltage | 460 Volts, 3 phase, 60 Hz (Others Available) |
| Operator Controls | 110 volts supplied by a transformer within the control box |
| Electrical Controls | Conformance to NEC (NFPA 70) and NFPA 79 electrical standards |
| Electrical Enclosure | NEMA Type 12 panel enclosure mounted on the machine |
| UL® 508A Electrical Panel Certification | Available for additional cost |
SYSTEM DETAILS
Processing Tub
Processing Tub
The rotating process tub measures 48″ in diameter by 18″ deep and is fabricated of 3/16″ mild steel plate using all-welded construction. The tub bottom is reinforced with 3″ structural channels, and a 3″ wide strip along the bottom of the tub wall is perforated to allow continual drainage of liquid from the tub interior.
The tub is mounted on the vertical output shaft of a Falk brand heavy duty gear reducer driven by a 10 HP, 1725 RPM AC motor. The motor is powered through an Allen-Bradley variable frequency drive, allowing variable tub speed from 24 to 72 RPM, which equates to a speed of 300 to 900 surface feet per minute (SFM) at the outer edge of the rotating tub.
Spindle Assembly
Spindle Assembly
The spindle supports are rigidly attached to the machine base and are fabricated from heavy-section structural steel gusseted to provide positive alignment of the spindle assemblies with respect to the processing tub. Tilting of the spindles down into – and up out of the processing tub is accomplished via 4” air cylinders, and the spindles are manually adjustable for up to 15 degrees of “lead” or “trail” angle (the angle of attack toward or away from the oncoming flow of media in the tub). Other manual (mechanical) adjustments for each spindle include spindle height from bottom of tub, distance of spindle from tub wall, and spindle “tilt angle” (from vertical to 15 degrees away from the center of the tub).
The spindles are fabricated from 2″ diameter seamless steel tubing and revolve in heavy duty pillow block bearings. Each spindle is driven at a constant speed of 20 RPM by an DC gearmotor operating through a heavy-duty timing belt and pulleys.
The end of each spindle assembly is flanged to accept a part-holding tool (tooling is optional or sold separately). Clamping and unclamping action of the tooling is accomplished using air pressure to operate a roto-chamber (located at the rear of the spindle) which pulls on a draw rod that runs down the center of the spindle. Foot-operated valves located on the floor in front of the machine control airflow to the spindles.
Sutton Controls
Electrical Controls
Electrical controls are housed in a free-standing Hoffman (or Saginaw) brand NEMA 12 enclosure. All components within the enclosure are finger-safe and are Allen-Bradley brand unless noted otherwise. Components include a main disconnect switch, Littelfuse fuse holders and fuses, Taylor wireways, terminal strips, master control relay, PowerFlex variable frequency drive, and IEC-style motor circuit protectors with thermal overloads and short circuit protection.
Equipment Start and Emergency Stop pushbuttons, along with Crouzet brand (or equal) process cycle timers and all other process control pushbuttons and indicating lights (if any) are mounted on the front door of the main electrical enclosure. In addition, pushbutton control stations are provided in front of each spindle for individual spindle operation. Buttons and lights are Allen-Bradley brand.
The machine is wired in accordance with NEC (NFPA 70) and NFPA 79 standards, ready for connection to your electrical service.
Machine Base
The machine’s base is fabricated from heavy section structural steel members gusseted with plate steel to provide a rigid assembly capable of maintaining positive alignment of the machine’s moving parts. The base includes non-removable 10-gauge mild steel shrouding around the front of the rotating process tub, and removable guarding at the rear of the machine (for tub drive and spindle component access).
The top of the base also includes a stainless-steel work tray that catches loose media and liquid that may drip from the process parts, directing this material back to the process tub.
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?
- What is my daily production volume?
- What finish do I need?
- What are my part dimensions and material?
- Which media will be required?
- Do I need wet or dry processing?
- Do I need automatic separation?
- What is my budget for both equipment and consumables?
- How much floor space is available?
- What level of automation do I require?
- 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.
OPTIONS & UPGRADES
Automatic Rinse
The spindle-mounted rinse system is used to briefly flush the spindle and process part to remove media as the spindle retracts from the rotating tub at the end of the process cycle.
Safety Enclosure
This rectangular “hood” encloses the entire top of the machine, acting as a safety barrier for operator protection and also reducing the machine’s sound output level.
Hydraulic Tooling
The hydraulic power unit can be equipped with two additional valves to control hydraulic clamping cylinders mounted on each spindle assembly.
Water Recycling
Depending on your application, ALMCO offers a variety of solutions to treat the waste water generated during the tumbling process.
Sutton Model Comparison
| Spec | 2SF-48CRA | CFCA-1100 | CFT-3000 | CFT-4000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 104″ (side to side) | 130″ (approx., front to rear) | 120″ (approx., front to rear) | 132″ (approx., front to rear) |
| Width | 70″ (approx., less free-standing main electrical enclosure) | 87″ (approx., less free-standing main electrical enclosure) | 100″ (approx., less free-standing main electrical enclosure) | 114″ (approx., less free-standing main electrical enclosure) |
| Height | 80″ (including clearance) | 96″ (approx. highest point with spindle in down position) | 100″ (approx. highest point with spindle in down position) | 108″ (approx. highest point with spindle in down position) |
| Number of Spindles | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Spindle Motion | Rotating and Oscillating | Oscillating | Rotating | Rotating |
| Part Size Range | 16″ | 45″ Diameter by 8″ thick | Up to 40″ Diameter by 12″ thick | Up to 40″ Diameter by 18″ thick |
| Process Tub Size | 48″ diameter x 18″ depth | 52″ wide x 67″ long x 26″ deep | 59″ wide x 52″ long x 30″ deep | 50″ wide x 76″ long x 40″ deep |
| Process Tub Rotation or Vibrator Speed | 900 | 1,300 RPM (approx.) | 1,300 RPM (approx.) | 1,300 RPM (approx.) |
| Spindle Speed Range | 0-20 | 100-380 reciprocations per minute | 150-900 RPM (75-450 RPM in High-Torque Version) | 100-500 RPM |
| Drive HP | 10 (Tub Motor) | 40 | 50 | 75 |
| Machine Weight | 8,800 lbs. (estimated, empty) | 20,000 lbs. (estimated, empty) | 15,800 lbs. (estimated, empty) | 16,500 lbs. (estimated, empty) |
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