thermal energy method (tem) the patented extrude hone/surftran thermal energy method (tem) uses intense heat for deburring and/or deflashing. parts to be processed are sealed in a pressurized cylindrical bell chamber with......thermal energy method (tem) the patented extrude hone/surftran thermal energy method (tem) uses intense heat for deburring and/or deflashing. parts to be processed are sealed in a pressurized cylindrical bell chamber with a mixture of a combustible gas and oxygen. this mixture completely envelopes the workparts burrs and flash, regardless of their internal or external location. the gas mixture, ignited by a spark plug, creates an intense, rapid burst of heat. burrs and flash, because of their high ratio of surface area to mass, quickly raise to a temperature well above their auto-ignition point and burst into flames. excess oxygen in the chamber combines with the vaporizing burrs to produce an oxide powder. as the oxidizing burr reaches the main body of the workpart, the temperature drops rapidly and stops the process. the oxidation is of very short duration long enough to transform burrs and flash into oxide powder but not long enough to change workpart dimensions or metallurgy. oxidized powder from the burrs is redistributed over the workpart and containment chamber which can be cleaned away, if necessary, with virtually any aqueous (water-based) cleaning solution. in summary, tem is a rapid, low cost, high production process that has the unique ability to remove burrs and flashing without affecting adjoining workpart surfaces. depending on workpart size, a million or more parts can be processed a month in a single tem machine.
