What Does
Bur Mean?
A bur is a kind of tool that can be used to cut or drill metals, stone, wood, reinforced plastics, ceramic and other industrial materials. It usually comes in two types: single cut, which is ideal with cast iron and other ferrous metals, and cross or double cut, which is more appropriate with plastics, soft steel and non-ferrous metals.
Corrosionpedia Explains Bur
A bur is very useful in terms of cutting abrasive metals and materials. It is ideal for cutting even the toughest type of metal. It is commonly made from pure tungsten carbide and equipped with precise machinery for accurate dimensions as well as concentricity and contours.
Apart from cutting, burs can also be used in other machining operations such as drilling, milling, turning and engraving. There are various bur shapes available and the decision of which type to use depends on the desired profile. Some typical bur shapes include:
- Cone
- Tree shaped
- Ball
- Cylinder
When using burs, it is vital to control the speed, depending on the type of material they are being used on and the desired contour. However, the standard is not no go beyond 35,000 rpm. If the burs chip easily, they may be going too slowly. The best thing to do to prevent damage is to start slow and then adjust the speed along the way. Increasing the speed prevents the burs from clogging. Lastly, apply gentle pressure, otherwise the bur flute edges may become smooth or chip away, affecting its life span.