Raytech Ceramalite 5/16 x 3/4 in Angle Cut Cylinder Tumbling Media

Raytech Ceramalite is a clean-running finishing media made from a blend of ceramic and plastic, sold here as 5/16 x 3/4 in angle cut cylinders. Raytech places it between its ceramic and plastic media: it gives a brighter, faster finish than plastic and a finer finish than ceramic. It is a non-abrasive media for light deburring, small burr removal and polishing, and suits detectorists and hobbyists brightening brass and aluminum finds as well as anyone finishing small machined or cast parts in a vibratory tumbler.

Who Raytech Ceramalite angle cut media is for

Ceramalite fits someone who finds plastic media too slow and too dull, but ceramic media too harsh on soft metal. Raytech recommends it for heavy, dense workpieces and soft metals such as brass and aluminum. The angle cut shape suits pieces with curves, holes and recesses.

Look at a different media if you need a very gentle conditioning step or heavy cutting. For the gentlest smoothing of soft metal, Raytech's XF plastic cones cut less. For heavy cutting on steel and titanium, Raytech's ceramic media is the stronger choice. You will find both in our Raytech collection.

A caution for coin hunters: any tumbling removes patina and changes the surface of a coin. Our practical recommendation is to keep this media for relics, jewelry and common finds, and never tumble a coin that may have collector value.

Key features and what they mean in use

• Ceramic and plastic bond: Cuts faster than plastic but more gently than ceramic. It removes light burrs and evens out the surface without heavy metal removal.
• Brighter finish than plastic: Raytech notes plastic media leaves an opaque finish, while Ceramalite leaves a brighter one.
• Angle cut cylinders, 5/16 x 3/4 in: Raytech recommends this shape for concave surfaces, rounded areas and deburring inside holes, and notes it is less likely to get stuck in holes or recesses.
• 65 lb/cu ft density: Heavier than plastic media, which gives it more working action on dense parts.
• Use with Raytech Compound B: Raytech specifies Compound B solution. It carries away fines and coats the parts as they tumble.

What is in the box

• Raytech Ceramalite 5/16 x 3/4 in angle cut cylinders, 20 lb (Raytech 41346R) or 50 lb (Raytech 41349R)

Not included: Compound B solution or a tumbler. Both are sold separately in our Raytech collection.

Compatibility and how much media you need

Ceramalite is made for vibratory tumblers and is used with Compound B. At 65 lb/cu ft, a 20 lb bag is about 0.31 cu ft and a 50 lb bag about 0.77 cu ft. For scale, Raytech's catalog sizes the 0.05 cu ft Tumble-Vibe 5 bowl at 3.25 lb of Ceramalite, which covers media and parts together. A 20 lb bag gives a small hobby tumbler several fills, while the 50 lb bag suits larger bowls. Find tumblers and bowls in our tumblers and cleaning supplies collection.

Where Ceramalite works well, and where it does not

• Brass and aluminum: Raytech names both as soft metals this media is suited to.
• Pieces with holes, curves and recesses: A strong fit for the angle cut shape, which reaches inside curves and is less likely to lodge.
• Light deburring and small burrs: Its intended job, along with improving surface texture and removing scale.
• Pre-plate and decorative finishing: Good for a brighter base finish before plating or display.
• Heavy cutting or deep pitting: Not this media's job. Ceramic media removes metal faster.
• Collectible coins: Not recommended, as above.

How it differs from other Raytech media

Compared with the Ceramalite 5/8 in V cut cylinders, this angle cut version is smaller and better for holes, concave surfaces and rounded parts. The V cut shape is Raytech's general-purpose choice and penetrates and moves freely in the bowl. Compared with the XF plastic cones, Ceramalite works faster and leaves a brighter finish, while the cones are gentler. Compared with ceramic media, Ceramalite leaves a finer finish but cuts less. Browse media and accessories in our tumbler parts and accessories collection.

California Proposition 65 warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.