Mass Finishing, Deburring & Polishing worked example

Tumbler Cycle Time at 12% cycle time allowance: a worked example

What does the result look like when cycle time allowance reaches 12%? The full calculation is worked below with real intermediate numbers. Use it when tumbler cycle time in mass finishing, deburring and polishing needs a defensible run time before a quote goes out.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Parts to finish in the batch: 120 units (unchanged)
  • Tumbler finishing rate: 12 units / hr (unchanged)
  • Cycle time allowance: 12 % (raised for this scenario; the documented default is 10)

Working through the calculation

  • Applying the documented formula (Base tumbler cycle time time = required work รท processing rate) to the inputs above produces each figure below.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 11.2 hr for adjusted run time, the number this scenario is built around.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 10 hr for base run time.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 12 % for allowance applied.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 12 pieces / min for process rate.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where cycle time allowance sits at 10% and the headline result is 11 hr, this scenario comes in 1.82% above the baseline at 11.2 hr.
  • A figure at this level is achievable when cycle time allowance is genuinely sustained, not just peaked for a shift. It assumes a steady finishing rate; in practice cut rate falls as media glazes or burrs diminish, so long cycles may need a curve rather than a flat rate.

Results at a glance

  • Adjusted run time: 11.2 hr (headline result)
  • Base run time: 10 hr
  • Allowance applied: 12 %
  • Process rate: 12 pieces / min

Run it with your numbers

  • Every input above is editable in the live Tumbler Cycle Time calculator, which recalculates instantly and can be shared with the inputs intact.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.