Deburring, pre-polishing, polishing and brightening are essential processes for achieving perfect surfaces.
In fact, these varied techniques can be used to achieve any desired surface treatment.
From removing imperfections to making materials sparkle, every step counts.
From the elimination of burrs to the sublimation of shine, this journey to the heart of the material reveals some fascinating processes. The principles involved are worth knowing.
So, in this article, we’ll cover all these processes, and by the end of the reading, the quest for a silky touch and a mirror-like finish will hold no more secrets for you.
Deburring techniques
With a wide range of equipment on offer, deburring calls on a variety of techniques. As a result, manufacturers have access to tailor-made solutions.
In 2017, the French metal finishing market totaled 1.8 billion euros, growing at an average annual rate of 2.5%.
Deburring is the final touch before parts are put into service.
That’s why it’s a delicate stage requiring great ingenuity. The challenge is to eliminate irregularities while preserving the desired dimensions and surface finish.
Material removal deburring
It’s an opportunity to discover the subtleties of material removal deburring.
At first glance, this set of techniques conceals a multitude of possibilities.
Machining centers, robots and dedicated machines are available to remove burrs mechanically, depending on the nature of the parts to be processed. The advantage: a precise result adapted to each geometry.
Deburring by chemical dissolution
Here, the formidable power of liquid nitrogen comes into play.
The parts are immersed in a cryogenic bath. This weakens the burrs, which then detach themselves.
The advantage of chemical dissolutiondeburring lies in its effectiveness, as it is suitable for all materials , from steels to plastics.
Thus, deburring through this operation can eliminate defects in a single treatment .
Pre-polishing processes
Scrubbing
This technique is widely used in surface treatment.
It prepares the material for final polishing. Scrubbing involves rubbing the surface with an abrasive paste to remove micro-scratches and irregularities.
This method produces a smooth, uniform surface, ideal for the desired shine . It should be noted that it is effective on most metals such as steel, aluminum, copper or silver. Essentially, gumming is carried out manually or mechanically, using abrasive pads adapted to the degree of finish required.
Pre-grinding
Another unavoidable technique: pre-grinding goes deeper than scrubbing. It involves passing the surface over a rotating abrasive wheel tosmooth and soften the grain.
This method is widely used to eliminate molding defects, reveal fine details or even out the surface finish before polishing.
Pre-grinding is generally carried out on aluminum oxide wheels whose grain is selected according to the desired effect.
It requires the use of specific machines, as well as great dexterity to control pressure and inclination during the operation. A few microns are all that’s needed to achieve optimum results.
Polishing techniques for a mirror finish
Mechanical polishing
Mechanical polishing is one of many finishing processes. It uses grinding wheels, abrasive disks or polishing paste to remove roughness.
This technique can be used to obtain different degrees of finish, from frosted to mirror-finish. It requires appropriate machinery and tools for optimum results.
Electrolytic polishing
Electrolytic polishing uses electrochemical reactions.
The part to be polished is immersed in anelectrolyte bath and subjected to an electric current. Surface irregularities are thus evenly dissolved.
This method achieves unequalled levels of finish, with roughness below 0.01 micrometers. Precision and automation make it the process of choice for highly technical parts.
Alternatively, chemical polishing involves controlled chemical reactions. The workpiece is immersed in a bath of acids or bases which corrode its surface. Imperfections are eliminated in just a few minutes. This technique is mainly used on glass, with final roughnesses of less than 1 nanometer. It requires appropriate protective equipment and effluent treatment.
Glossing to enhance surface shine
Mechanical polishing
Alizarin, a natural colorant extracted from madder, dyes textiles bright red. The perfect resistance of this dye to the action of air makes it possible to obtain“grand teint” colors. Mechanical polishing of metal surfaces uses abrasive disks and polishing pastes to remove scratches and restore shine.
Chemical brightening
This method uses acid baths to dissolve the metal’s surface layer and reveal a shiny finish. Nearly 73% of professionals consider this technique to be more environmentally friendly.
To conclude
Exploring the contours of deburring, pre-polishing, polishing and brightening techniques, we delve into a captivating field that reveals tricks for perfecting surfaces.
Every step, from the meticulous elimination of defects to the brilliant sublimation of materials, is of crucial importance.
This exploration into the heart of materials processing exposes a variety of methods, from mechanical approaches to chemical manipulation, offering a range of solutions adapted to every type of surface.
By understanding the subtleties of these processes, you’ll be better equipped to meet the challenges of material finishing.
Deburring, pre-polishing, polishing and brightening are techniques that reveal a world where precision and meticulousness are combined in a perpetual quest for perfection.
By assimilating these principles, you’ll set yourself on the road to impeccable finishes, essential in many industrial sectors.
The techniques presented here are the key to achieving impeccably smooth, luminous surfaces that meet the most exacting quality standards.
