Hand-finishing is slow, variable and expensive. PDJ’s subcontract vibratory finishing gives you consistent deburr, controlled edge radiusing and cosmetic polish without adding headcount. You’ll get a proven recipe, repeatable lead times and audit-ready quality, so bottlenecks stop dictating your ship dates.
Why choose PDJ for subcontract finishing
- Speed you can plan around. Average 24-hour turnaround once your recipe is validated; quotes typically inside an hour.
- Capacity that absorbs peaks. 120+ machines on site and 180,000 kg of tuned media/compounds to hit dates without quality drift.
- Results locked by recipe. Free sample run for all customers; then we issue a process sheet (media, compound, concentration, fill level, presentation, cycle time, rinse/dry). Same inputs, same outputs. Consistently.
- Built in compliance. Incoming inspection, process checks, final verification to your spec, with photos/certs on request.
- Scale any direction. Keep running parts with us, or we’ll help specify and commission an in-house cell.
What we finish and where we shine
- Precision-machined aluminium/steel/SS/Ti parts where edge condition and tight Ra bands matter.
- Additive & MIM components requiring consistent smoothing without losing detail.
- Laser-cut, punched, stamped parts needing true deburr + uniform surface finish.
- Pre-treatment: pre-anodise/pre-plate/pre-paint surface improvement; superfinishing to 0.05 to 0.03 Ra where geometry allows.
- Sectors: Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, Additive Manufacturing, General Engineering.
How it works – the process is simple, fast, and predictable
- Free sample run
Send a small batch with target finish/edge radius. We tune media, chemistry and time, then return finished parts with notes (Ra/Rz, edge condition, handling). - Your process sheet
Approve the outcome; we control variables so every run is repeatable and audit-ready. - Short, dependable lead times
Tell us the ship date and quantity; we’ll confirm the latest incoming window and hit it. - QA and documentation
Traceability, photos, CoCs, whatever your programme requires.
Subcontract vs buying a machine
Subcontract with PDJ
Best for new programmes, irregular/seasonal volumes, pilot batches, limited floorspace, tight deadlines. No machine purchases (capex), no maintenance, no operator training, no media logistics. Typical wins for our subcontract customers: they cut hand finishing, stabilize cycle times, protect ship dates, and complete more orders for their customers.
Buy your own machine
Best for steady, high volumes in a dedicated daily process. You gain scheduling control and lower unit cost at scale, but own capex costs, installation, chemistry/media management, training and QA. Many customers take a pragmatic path: They validate with our subcon team, and when volume justifies buying a machine or machines, we talk you through the process in detail and ensure you get the right machine required for your needs. This means, size and capacity, new or refurb, and training to ensure you can load your recipe and get your operators performing to standard.
Outcomes you can bank on
- Consistent deburr and controlled edge radius → faster assembly, less premature wear.
- Uniform satin/polish → elevated perceived quality, fewer cosmetic rejects.
- Less hand finishing → reduced variation and labour cost.
- Predictable cycle times → easier planning and happier schedulers.
Fast decision checklist
If you say “yes” to 2 or more, then subcontract is likely your quickest, lowest-risk option:
- Need finished parts in 1–3 weeks.
- Volumes are variable/project-based.
- Can’t spare operators for media/chemistry management.
- Want proof on real parts before committing capex.
Pricing & logistics
- Straightforward per-part or per-batch pricing after your sample run.
- Volume breaks for repeat work.
- Collection & delivery available on request.
FAQs
How fast is “fast”?
Our subcontract department averages 24-hour turnaround once your recipe is proven. Share date and quantity; we’ll confirm an achievable window.
Can you hit my Ra or edge radius?
Yes — from deburr + controlled edge break to cosmetic satin or superfinish to 0.03 Ra where geometry allows. We validate on samples first, so production isn’t the test bench.
What if requirements change mid-project?
We re-validate on samples, update the process sheet, then resume production — keeping live work stable.
Do you handle regulated work?
Yes — Aerospace, Medical and Automotive programmes with the documentation you specify (photos, CoCs, lot traceability). PDJ is accredited to ISO 9001 and working towards AS9100D to be in place by the end of 2026.
What if my volumes take off?
Keep running with PDJ subcon, or we’ll help justify/spec an in-house cell, supply new/refurb machines, load your proven recipe and train your team.
Book a sample run
Email Adam Hurley ahurley@pdjvibro.co.uk and quote "PDJ Subcon Sample" with part photos, material, issues, target finish/edge radius and required date. Or call 01908 648757 for a same-day feasibility check.
