Surface Finishing Applications
There are a variety of surface finishing applications that accomplish different tasks. Below is a description of the main types of surface finishing applications that we can help you install for your job processes. Below is a list of the major finishing applications (on the left) paired with the type of finishing processes (on the right). Key:
A group of manufacturing processes that allow large quantities of parts to be simultaneously finished. The goal of this type of finishing is to burnish, deburr, clean, radius, de-flash, descale, remove rust, polish, brighten, surface harden or prepare parts for further finishing. The two main types of mass finishing are tumble finishing (also known as barrel finishing) and vibratory finishing. Both involve the use of a cyclical action to create grinding contact between surfaces. Occasionally the workpieces are finished against each other; however, a finishing medium is typically used. Mass finishing can be performed dry or wet. Wet processes have liquid lubricants, cleaners, or abrasives, while dry processes do not.
Surface Finishing, Profiling & Etching
Creating a desired surface finish or profile is a vital step prior to applying any coating. The profile consists of the anchor pattern created during the blasting process based on media, air pressure, equipment and technique used. The profile will directly affect subsequent coating processes such as primer and/or paint coverage and the adhesion of materials such as rubber or plastic.
Deburring & Edge Break
Deburring is the process of removing small metal remnants produced during the machining process. Edge break refers to the rounding over sharp edges, giving them a radius. Not removing burrs or sharp edges can create quality problems with the finished product, as well as safety concerns. To successfully remove the burrs or round edges, multiple techniques, such as vibratory finishing, blast cleaning, wet blasting, and automated grinding can be used.
Paint, Rust & Scale Removal
Removal of coatings and material is one of the most common finishing applications in the industry. Removal of paint, rust, scale and other unwanted coatings can be accomplished through many processes including media blasting, wet blasting, vibratory finishing, tumbling, and high energy systems.
Peening involves the use of round blast media on highly stressed parts to create uniform compressive stress layers that prolong service life and reduce part failure. Peening can also straighten parts that were bent during the heat treatment and machining processes. The benefits of peening include: increased part life, off-setting tensile stresses, reduced porosity, or improved oil retention.
Burnishing & Polishing
Burnishing and polishing are the act of applying pressure to a substrate with a material to create a lustrous and shiny surface. This can be accomplished by hand with buffing cloths or wheels. Burnishing and Polishing can also be managed by wet blasting or mass finishing with the use of liquid compound and minimal or no abrasive.
Blending Surface Defects
Blending surface defects such as scratches, gouges, pits, grinding marks and uneven surfaces is often accomplished with mass finishing, media blasting, wet blasting, and hand polishing operations.
Deflashing is the process of removing excess adhesive, resin build up, or molding compound. Deflashing can be accomplished through processes including media blasting, wet blasting, vibratory finishing, tumbling and high energy systems.