Thermal deburring (TEM), also known as the Thermal Energy Method, is a thermo-chemical deburring process used to remove burrs created during machining (e.g., drilling, milling) and other manufacturing steps. Classified as a chemical ablation process in DIN 8590, TEM uses a controlled combustion reaction that oxidizes burrs quickly—especially burrs in internal cross-holes, intersecting bores, and complex channels.

How TEM deburring works:
Parts are loaded into a bell-shaped, hydraulically sealed deburring chamber. A precisely metered oxygen–fuel gas mixture is introduced and ignited. During the reaction, temperatures of approximately 2,500–3,300°C occur and burrs combust in less than 20 milliseconds. Because the exposure time is extremely short, the base material is not mechanically processed and the metallurgical properties (structure, hardness) typically remain unchanged—resulting in repeatable deburring outcomes.

Materials:
TEM is used on many metals (e.g., steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, brass) and on selected thermoplastics (application-dependent), such as PA, PE, PTFE, PUR, and PMMA. Injection-molded parts without glass fiber may also be suitable depending on geometry and material behavior.

Manufacturer / More technical details:
iTEM deburring machines are developed and manufactured by ATL (Germany). For specifications, applications, and automation options, see the detailed ATL overview.
→ ATL TEM machinery construction & applications