“What is Metal Polishing? – Explaining Types and Procedures!”

“I want to make metal shiny!” “I want to mirror-finish metal!” “I want to smooth the surface of the metal.” When you think this way, what you do is metal polishing. In this column, we will introduce the types and procedures of metal polishing and how they can be finished!

What is Metal Polishing?

Metal polishing is one of the methods of processing by polishing metal to improve surface smoothness and gloss, and shaping it. It is often performed as the final step in finishing metal!

Introduction to Types of Metal Polishing Methods

There are various types of metal polishing methods, and the finish varies greatly depending on the processing method. Let’s introduce each type!

Stone Polishing

Stone polishing is a polishing method that rotates a grinding stone containing abrasive grains at high speed to polish metal.

Buff Polishing

Buff polishing is one of the processing methods that polishes the surface of metals and the like using a buff (polishing wheel) coated with a polishing agent made of cloth or felt. ↓For details on buff polishing in stainless steel polishing, click here↓

ステンレス研磨におけるバフについて

 

Barrel Polishing

In barrel polishing, polishing materials, detergents, water, etc. are added to the barrel, and metal is rotated together. The polishing material rubs the surface of the metal inside the barrel, removing scratches and dirt from the surface. The polishing effect and finish vary depending on the type, size, and mixing ratio of the polishing material. Barrel polishing is efficient and can polish a large number of workpieces at once. It can also polish workpieces with complex shapes with many irregularities.

Electrolytic Polishing

Electrolytic polishing is one of the processing methods that polishes the surface by causing an electrochemical reaction of metal in an electrolyte. During polishing, the current density, concentration of the electrolyte, temperature, etc. can be adjusted to control the polishing effect and surface finish quality. Electrolytic polishing can obtain a uniform polishing effect on the surface without thermal deformation or vibration due to polishing. It is suitable for mirror finishing and removal of fine irregularities. The oxide film on the metal surface is also removed by electrolytic polishing, which may improve corrosion resistance and wear resistance. However, there are problems such as surface burning due to overvoltage and embrittlement of metal, so it is necessary to perform under appropriate conditions.

Introduction to Metal Polishing Procedures

Primer

In the primer, it is necessary to use a grinding stone with a small number and a rough eye. It is a process of removing large irregularities and foreign substances. If you do not polish thoroughly in this process, it will greatly affect the finish.

Alignment

The alignment process smoothens the rough surface. Therefore, use a grinding stone with a higher number and finer eyes than the one used for the primer. At the end of this process, almost all scratches and irregularities have disappeared.

Glossing

In the glossing process, the flat metal is further polished with a fine-grained grinding stone/polishing agent to make the surface smooth and glossy.

Mirror Finish

Mirror finishing is the final process in metal polishing. By using something finer than the grinding stone/polishing agent used in the glossing process, the surface of the metal reflects like a mirror.

Conclusion

There are four types and procedures for metal polishing. By polishing from a rough-grained grinding stone to a gradually finer one, the surface reflects like a mirror. The processing method and polishing agent change depending on the material, shape, and finish of the metal, so it is recommended to consult a professional! With our polishing technology, various designs and patterns can be applied to metals.  

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