Deburring internal holes, bores and cross-holes can be difficult because the burr is often hidden inside the component, on the back edge of a drilled hole, or at the intersection between two internal features. If these burrs are not removed, they can break away later, interfere with assembly, damage seals or O-rings, restrict fluid flow, or affect the performance of the finished part.
For precision internal-hole deburring, XEBEC cross-hole deburring tools provide a controlled way to remove small burrs from internal edges, back burrs, blind holes and hard-to-reach machined features. They are particularly useful where the burr needs to be removed accurately without the aggressive cutting action of a conventional rotary burr or mounted abrasive point.
This guide focuses on two XEBEC options for internal deburring: XEBEC Stone Flexible Shaft tools and XEBEC Brush Crosshole tools.
In summary: XEBEC tools are best suited to precision cross-hole deburring and controlled internal edge treatment. They are a strong choice where accuracy, repeatability and tool control matter.
For broader abrasive nylon internal cleaning, light deburring and cost-effective bore finishing, the RODA Bore system may be a more suitable starting point.
Why Internal Holes Are Difficult to Deburr
Internal burrs are harder to remove than external burrs because the working area is often hidden from view and difficult to reach. This is especially true when deburring:
- Cross-holes and intersecting bores
- Back burrs created after drilling
- Blind holes and dead-end holes
- Small hydraulic, pneumatic or fluid-control features
- Internal ports, manifolds and machined cavities
- Precision bores where surrounding geometry must be preserved
Standard deburring tools, hand scrapers and rigid mounted points may be too large, too aggressive, or difficult to control inside the hole. The aim is usually to remove the burr cleanly while avoiding excessive material removal from the surrounding bore wall or hole edge.
Choosing the Right Tool for Internal Hole Deburring
The best tool depends on the burr location, hole geometry, tolerance requirements and how much control is needed during the process.
Use XEBEC Stone Flexible Shaft For…
Cross-hole burrs, back burrs, blind holes, internal edges and precision features where controlled stone contact is required.
Use XEBEC Brush Crosshole For…
Cross-hole deburring where the brush tip can pass through the area and expand by centrifugal force during high-speed rotation.
For high-precision components, always check the product data, tool size, recommended speed, contact pressure and machine setup before use. Where tolerances, surface finish or critical geometry are involved, validate the process on representative parts before moving into production.
XEBEC Stone Flexible Shaft for Precision Cross-Hole Deburring
The XEBEC Stone Flexible Shaft is a specialist ceramic fibre deburring stone mounted on a flexible shaft. It is designed for controlled deburring of cross-holes, back burrs, blind holes, internal bores and hard-to-reach machined features.
The ceramic fibre stone cuts on the exposed surface of the head. As the stone wears, fresh abrasive edges are exposed, helping maintain a consistent cutting action. The flexible shaft helps the stone make light, controlled contact with the burr rather than acting like a rigid grinding point.
Ball Type
Best for general cross-hole deburring, back-burr removal and internal edge contouring where a rounded contact point is useful.
Cylinder Type
Best for blind holes, dead-end bores and internal features where a cylindrical contact area gives better control.
Available Grits
Available in 220 Grit Grey, 400 Grit Orange and 800 Grit Blue for different levels of deburring and finishing.
XEBEC Stone Flexible Shaft tools are suitable for controlled use in CNC machining centres, NC lathes, robots, special-purpose machines and professional rotary or micro-motor systems, provided the correct speed, pressure and safety precautions are followed.
Abrasive Points & Burrs
XEBEC Stone Flexible Shaft – Extended Cross-Hole Deburring Tools
XEBEC Brush Crosshole for Internal Cross-Hole Deburring
XEBEC Brush Crosshole tools are designed to deburr cross-holes using the centrifugal force generated by rotation. As the brush rotates at high speed, the brush tip expands and contacts the internal burr.
The tool must be used with the correct speed-controlled equipment. XEBEC Brush Crosshole tools can be used in suitable rotary tools and CNC machines capable of the required speed range. They are not suitable for air tools.
As a general guide, XEBEC Brush Crosshole tools are used at high rotational speed, typically within the 7,000–12,000 min-1 range depending on the selected brush and application. Always check the specific product data before use.
A12 Red
Used for aluminium and softer metals.
A33 Blue
Used for harder metals.
Speed Controlled Use
Use with suitable speed-controlled rotary equipment. Check the specific product data before use.
XEBEC Brush Crosshole tools use abrasive ceramic fibres rather than loose abrasive grain. The bristles provide cutting edges that help deburr internal intersections while retaining the brush shape more effectively than many conventional brass, steel or impregnated nylon brushes.
Abrasive Stones
XEBEC or RODA Bore – Which Should You Choose?
XEBEC and RODA Bore both help solve internal deburring problems, but they are best suited to slightly different jobs.
Choose XEBEC For Precision Cross-Hole Deburring
XEBEC is the specialist option where the process calls for controlled, precise deburring of cross-holes, back burrs, blind holes and critical internal edges.
Choose RODA Bore For Broader Abrasive Nylon Finishing
RODA Bore is a broader, cost-effective abrasive nylon system for internal bore cleaning, light deburring and surface refinement using replaceable discs and reusable mandrels.
For precision cross-hole deburring on machined components, start with the XEBEC options on this page. For a more general-purpose abrasive nylon bore finishing system, browse the RODA Bore range.
Need help choosing between XEBEC and RODA Bore?
Contact Moleroda for practical advice on the most suitable internal deburring process for your component, machine setup and finish requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The best method depends on the burr location, hole size, component geometry and required level of control. For precision cross-hole and back-burr deburring, XEBEC Flexible Shaft stones and XEBEC Brush Crosshole tools are specialist options. For broader abrasive nylon internal finishing, RODA Bore may be a more cost-effective general-purpose option.
XEBEC Stone Flexible Shaft tools use a ceramic fibre stone head mounted on a flexible shaft for controlled contact with internal burrs. XEBEC Brush Crosshole tools use high-speed rotation and centrifugal force to expand the brush tip into the cross-hole area.
Yes. XEBEC Flexible Shaft tools and XEBEC Brush Crosshole tools can be used in suitable CNC or controlled rotary applications, provided the correct speed, tool path, pressure and safety precautions are followed.
Some XEBEC internal deburring tools can be used with suitable controlled rotary or micro-motor systems. They should not be used like aggressive carbide burrs or heavy grinding points. Use light, controlled contact and follow the product data for the selected tool.
Choose RODA Bore where you need a broader abrasive nylon system for internal bore cleaning, light deburring and surface refinement, especially where a reusable mandrel and replaceable disc system is more cost-effective. Choose XEBEC where precision cross-hole deburring and controlled internal edge treatment are the priority.
All abrasive deburring tools remove some material through cutting or abrasion. The aim is to remove the burr while controlling contact with the surrounding bore geometry. Always test on representative parts where tolerance, surface finish or critical geometry are important.