Polishing is a surface finishing process to create a smooth surface. With mechanical, chemical or electrochemical methods, polishing will reduce the surface roughness of the parts to get a bright and reflective surface.
Types of polishing method
Mechanical polishing
Mechanical polishing is a polishing method use abrasives to cut the surface the of parts and get a smooth result. it usually could be done manually or with machines. Manual polishing can be done with sandpaper or buffing wheels. Polishing with a machine can get ultra precise result with high speed rotation polish.
Chemical polishing
Chemical polishing is to dissolve the small protruding part of the part surface through the chemical medium to get a smooth surface. This method can polish the workpiece with complex shape, and can polish many workpieces at the same time. The surface roughness obtained by chemical polishing is generally Ra10 μm.
Electrolytic polishing
Electrolytic polishing is similar to chemical polishing, it selectively dissolves small protruding parts on the surface of the workpiece by electric liquid solution to make the surface smooth.
Ultrasonic polishing
Ultrasonic polishing is to put the workpiece into the abrasive solution, use the oscillation of the ultrasonic wave to grind and polish surface of the workpiece by abrasive.
fluid polishing
Fluid polishing relies on the flowing liquid which contain the abrasive particles to wash the surface of the workpiece to achieve polishing effect.
Magnetic polishing
Magnetic polishing use magnetic abrasives to form an abrasive brush under the action of a magnetic field to grind the workpiece. This method has high processing efficiency, good quality, and easy control of processing conditions.
what material can be polished?
The polishing finish process is usually used for glass, metal, semiconductors, plastics, gems, jade, stainless steel and more.
Advantage of polishing
Enhance appearance
Polishing finish can remove burrs, scratches and other defects on the part surface to create a smooth and reflective surface. this will make the part look very nice with a attractive appearance.
corrosion resistance
Polishing can effectively remove defects of part surface, result in a flawless surface can be more resistant to chemical damage, oxidation and other damaging chemical reactions. so, it will make polished parts be more corrosion resistance.
Surface Durability
Polishing process helps the parts get a flawless surface which can protect it from contamination and oxidation. So the part surface durability is improved and the lifespan of parts is extended.
surface roughness and flatness
Polishing can effectively control the roughness and flatness of the part surface, this is why it is popular in the industries which require high precision such as semiconductors and optical manufacturing.
Stainless Steel Material Properties
Application of Polishing
Metal products
Polishing processes are widely used in the metal products industry such as auto parts, household items, watches and jewelry.
Plastic products
The polishing process is also suitable for plastic products. Through polishing finishing, burrs and defects on the surface of plastic products can be removed, making the surface smooth.
Semiconductor manufacturing
The semiconductor chips manufacturing requires high precision, polishing can be used to ensure high flatness of the wafer surface which is very important for chip quality.
Optical parts manufacturing
Optical parts such as optical instruments, cameras and telescopes requires high precision lens to achieve the optic performance. this is why ultra-precision grinding and polishing process is widely used in this industry.
FAQs about polishing
Other Surface Finishing
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