polishing technology
In the field of modern manufacturing and processing, polishing technology is widely used in the surface treatment of different materials and products. Highly smooth, glossy and optical quality surfaces can be achieved through a fine polishing process in different stages. Polishing has important applications in many fields, such as automobile manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, optical components, jewelry, tableware, etc.
The advantage of polishing technology is that it can improve the optical and tactile properties of the surface of the material, and improve the appearance quality and value of the product. Through a fine polishing process, surface blemishes, traces, oxide layers, rust, etc. can be removed and a highly smooth surface can be achieved. Polishing can also enhance the corrosion resistance of materials, reduce surface roughness, improve the mechanical properties of materials, such as reducing friction and wear, and improve the wear resistance and fatigue resistance of materials.
However, the polishing process also faces some challenges, such as selecting suitable polishing materials, proper polishing equipment and process parameters, and achieving consistent surface quality, etc. In addition, some materials may be difficult to achieve a highly superior polishing effect due to their special properties, and the physical, chemical and surface properties of the material need to be considered comprehensively.
Polishing Tool
| Polishing Tool | Hand Polishing Tools | Such as polishing cloths, polishing sponges, shallow leather polishers, etc., suitable for manual polishing of small areas of the surface. |
| Grinder | A machine with a grinding disc for machining and polishing various surface materials. | |
| Sandpaper | Can be used manually or for mechanical polishing. | |
| Grinding Wheel | A rotating grinding tool for precision grinding knives on a variety of surfaces. | |
| Grinder | A machine with a grinding wheel that is used for metalworking and polishing. | |
| Liquid Propellant | A chemical applied to a surface, either by hand or by mechanical spraying. |
Common abrasives for polishing
Abrasive materials are coating polishing abrasives, wire drawing polishing abrasives, polishing abrasives, abrasive liquids, brighteners, cleaning agents and other polishing agents. The surface of the correct material is mainly used for grinding, wire drawing and polishing. Here we introduce the materials used in the research of grinding and polishing for metal and non-metal parts, home decorations, handicrafts, etc. Deburring, flashing, oxide scale and polishing treatment of concave surface, screw thread, tooth surface and other composite surfaces. Abrasive materials generally have high hardness, temperature and regular shape.
| Metal | General steel, hard alloy, stainless steel, copper, titanium, aluminum, molybdenum, tungsten, nickel, tantalum and other metals |
| Ceramics | Surface polishing of alumina, zirconia, sapphire, silicon, silicon carbide, silicon nitride thermal spraying and other coatings is also possible. |
| Crystal | Generally, there are silicon, SiC (silicon carbide), sapphire, GaN, etc. |
| Resin | Various engineering plastics, polyimide, Teflon, etc. |
Among them, solid ointment is used for metal and plastic polishing, and the following types of abrasives are respectively explained according to different colors.
| White polishing paste | It is composed of lime, stearic acid, fatty acid, varnish, butter, suet, white wax, etc. It is used for polishing nickel, copper, aluminum and bakelite. |
| Yellow polishing paste | It is made of feldspar powder, lacquer resin, fatty acid, rosin, yellow lead, lime, earth red powder, etc. It is used for polishing copper, iron, aluminum and bakelite. |
| Green Polishing Paste | It is made of fatty acid and chromium oxide green, etc. It is used for polishing stainless steel and chrome. |
| Red polishing paste | It is made of fatty acid, white wax, iron oxide red, etc. It is used for polishing before metal plating and polishing gold and silver backlight, etc. |
Application of polishing in various fields
As a surface treatment technology, polishing is widely used in many fields. From industrial manufacturing to everyday life, polishing can play an important role, role, role can add color. This article will describe the application of polishing in various jurisdictions, discussing its importance and impact in different industries.
| various fields | application |
| metal processing | Polishing is widely used in the field of metal processing. In the manufacturing process of metal products, polishing can remove oxides, blemishes and roughness on the metal surface, making the surface of metal parts smooth and flat, and improving its corrosion resistance. For example, in the fields of automobiles, aerospace, and electronic equipment, the polishing of metal parts can improve their appearance quality, improve product performance, and prolong service life. |
| Optical field | In the field of optics, polishing is widely used in the manufacture of optical lenses, optical devices and optical components. Through precise polishing of optical components, its optical performance can be improved, such as increasing transmittance, reducing scattering and reflection, so as to obtain higher optical quality. This has important applications in optical communication, optical sensing, laser technology and other fields. |
| Jewelry and Watchmaking | In jewelry and watchmaking, polishing is a key process. By polishing the metal surface of jewelry and clocks, it can make it shiny, smooth and smooth, and improve the visual effect and texture of the product. For high-end jewelry and watches, polishing is often a key part of the manufacturing process, directly affecting the value and quality of the product. |
| 3D printing field | In the field of 3D printing that has emerged in recent years, polishing also has important application value. The surface of 3D printed products is usually rough and needs to be polished to improve its appearance and performance. Through polishing, the layers, blemishes and unevenness on the surface of 3D printed products can be removed, making it smoother and more delicate. This is of great significance for applications that require high precision and high surface quality, such as medical devices, aerospace parts, artwork and more. |
| Woodworking and Furniture Manufacturing | Polishing is a common process in woodworking and furniture manufacturing. By polishing the wood surface, it can make wooden products smooth and delicate, revealing their natural grain and texture. Polishing also removes blemishes, stains and uneven color from the wood surface, improving the quality of the furniture’s appearance and increasing its lifespan. |
| Car manufacturer | In the field of automobile manufacturing, polishing is widely used. In the automobile production line, parts such as bodywork, windows, wheels, etc. need to be polished to improve their appearance quality and enhance the market competitiveness of products. Polishing also removes scratches, oxidation and stains from the car’s surface, protecting the paint and extending the life of the car. |
| Household Goods and Kitchenware | Polishing also has a wide range of applications in the field of household goods and kitchenware. For example, products such as stainless steel pots, cookware and tableware need to be polished to make the surface smooth and easy to clean, and to increase the service life of the product. Polishing can also improve the exterior quality of household items, making them more attractive and functional. |
As a surface treatment technology, polishing is widely used in various fields. Whether in industrial manufacturing, optics, jewelry, 3D printing, woodworking, automotive or household goods, polishing plays an important role in the cosmetic quality, performance and functionality of products.
Through polishing, the smoothness, fineness and texture of the surface can be improved, blemishes and stains can be removed, and the service life and market competitiveness of the product can be improved. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology and manufacturing technology, the application of polishing in various fields will continue to expand and deepen, adding color to the details of the bright world.
Comparing different types of polishing surface finishes
Polishing is a surface finishing process that involves the abrasion of a material’s surface to make it smooth, shiny, and free from imperfections. There are several different types of polishing surface finishes that can be achieved using various techniques and materials. Let’s compare some of the common types of polishing surface finishes:
Mirror Finish
A mirror finish is a highly reflective and flawless surface finish that resembles a mirror. It is achieved by using fine abrasive materials, such as diamond or aluminum oxide, and progressively finer polishing compounds to remove all imperfections and create a smooth and reflective surface. Mirror finishes are commonly used in applications where aesthetics and reflectivity are critical, such as in decorative items, high-end appliances, and automotive trim.
Satin Finish
A satin finish, also known as a brushed finish or matte finish, is a smooth and non-reflective surface finish with a uniform texture. It is achieved by using abrasive materials, such as abrasive pads or abrasive blasting, to create a brushed or matte appearance on the surface. Satin finishes are commonly used in applications where a subdued or matte appearance is desired, such as in architectural applications, furniture, and appliances.
Ra Finish
Ra finish, also known as roughness average, is a measure of the average surface roughness of a material. It is typically measured in microinches or micrometers and indicates the smoothness or roughness of a surface. A lower Ra value indicates a smoother surface, while a higher Ra value indicates a rougher surface. Ra finishes are commonly used in applications where precise control of surface roughness is critical, such as in mechanical parts, seals, and gaskets.
Brushed Finish
A brushed finish is a type of surface finish that is achieved by using abrasive materials, such as abrasive pads or brushes, to create a pattern of fine lines or scratches on the surface. Brushed finishes are commonly used in applications where a decorative or textured appearance is desired, such as in architectural applications, consumer products, and jewelry.
Polished Finish
A polished finish is a smooth and reflective surface finish that is achieved by using abrasive materials and polishing compounds to remove imperfections and create a smooth surface. Polished finishes can vary in gloss levels, from low gloss to high gloss, depending on the level of polishing and the type of abrasive materials used. Polished finishes are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including automotive parts, metal components, and decorative items.
Electropolished Finish
Electropolishing is a specialized type of polishing process that involves the use of an electrolyte solution and an electric current to remove surface imperfections and create a smooth and shiny surface finish. Electroplished finishes are commonly used in applications where high corrosion resistance, high surface smoothness, and aesthetics are critical, such as in medical devices, aerospace components, and food processing equipment.
What is the polishing process?
The polishing process is a surface finishing technique that involves the use of abrasive materials and/or polishing compounds to remove imperfections from a material’s surface and create a smooth, shiny, and often reflective finish. The specific steps and techniques involved in the polishing process may vary depending on the type of material being polished, the desired level of surface finish, and the equipment and tools used. However, the general steps in the polishing process typically include:
| process | manual |
| Surface Preparation | The first step in the polishing process is to prepare the surface of the material to be polished. This may involve cleaning the surface thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, or other contaminants that may affect the polishing results. In some cases, it may also involve removing any existing coatings or finishes from the surface. |
| Rough Polishing | After surface preparation, the rough polishing step is usually performed. This involves the use of coarse abrasive materials, such as grinding wheels, sandpapers, or abrasive pads, to remove any prominent imperfections from the surface, such as scratches, pits, or rough spots. The abrasive materials are applied to the surface using a polishing machine or hand-held tool, and the material is polished in a back-and-forth or circular motion. |
| Fine Polishing | Once the rough polishing is complete, the next step is to perform fine polishing to further smooth the surface and remove any remaining imperfections. Fine abrasive materials, such as polishing compounds, pastes, or slurries, are used in this step. These materials are typically applied to the surface using a soft cloth, polishing pad, or felt wheel, and the polishing process is usually performed at a lower speed compared to rough polishing. |
| Final Polishing | After fine polishing, a final polishing step may be performed to achieve the desired level of surface finish. This step involves using even finer abrasive materials, such as diamond pastes or ultra-fine polishing compounds, to further refine the surface and achieve a high level of smoothness and shine. |
| Cleaning and Inspection | Once the polishing process is complete, the surface is thoroughly cleaned to remove any residual polishing materials or debris. The polished surface is then carefully inspected for any remaining imperfections or defects, and further polishing or touch-up may be performed if necessary. |
| Surface Protection | Depending on the material and application, a final step in the polishing process may involve applying a protective coating or treatment to the polished surface to enhance its durability, corrosion resistance, or aesthetic appearance. This may include applying a clear coat, wax, or other surface treatments. |
References
- 拋光磨料 https://www.eppowergrit.com/en/products
- 拋光的應用 https://www.machining-custom.com/blog/cnc-machining-parts-polishing-process-and-its-application-and-working-principle.html
- 拋光的應用https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/31607151
- 錶面拋光https://www.farmandfleet.com/blog/grinders-polishers-buyers-guide/
- 拋光工藝https://www.hungyangtw.com/surface-grinding
