Last Updated on April 3, 2023 by Leizi
Polishing is one of the common surface treatments for CNC machined parts. It can enhance the surface quality and appearance of machined parts, which will the parts more decorative and increase their functional performance. In this post, we will discuss everything about polishing for machining parts.
What is Polishing for Machining Parts?
Polishing is a process of refining the surface of a part to improve its appearance, texture, and functionality. The polishing process typically involves using a series of abrasive materials, including polishing wheels, abrasive pads, and compounds, to gradually refine the surface of the part.
It can be performed on a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics. In the CNC machining industry, polishing is typically performed on metal parts to achieve a high-quality surface finish.
4 Advantages of Polishing
Polishing can provide several advantages for machined parts as below:
1. Improve Surface Quality: Polishing can improve the surface quality of a part, making it smoother, more uniform, and more visually appealing.
2. Increase Functionality: Polishing can improve the functionality of a part by reducing friction and wear, improving corrosion resistance, and enhancing the part’s ability to conduct heat and electricity.
3. Enhance Durability: Polishing can increase the durability of a part by removing surface defects and strengthening the surface structure of the part.
4. Improve Cleanliness: Polished parts are easier to clean and maintain, making them ideal for use in applications where cleanliness is critical, such as in the medical or food industries.
3 Types of Polishing
There are several types of polishing that can be used in CNC machining. The most common types of polishing include:
Mechanical Polishing: This type of polishing uses mechanical force to remove material from the surface of a part. Mechanical polishing can be performed using a variety of tools, including polishing wheels, abrasive pads, and sandpaper.
Electrochemical Polishing: This type of polishing uses an electrochemical process to remove material from the surface of a part. Electrochemical polishing can be used to achieve a high-quality surface finish on a wide range of materials.
Chemical Polishing: This type of polishing uses chemical compounds to remove material from the surface of a part. Chemical polishing can be used to achieve a high-quality surface finish on a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics.
Main Factors Affecting Polishing Quality
The quality of polishing is affected by several factors, including the hardness and composition of the material being polished, the type of abrasive material and polishing compound used, and the speed and pressure of the polishing process.
Soft materials such as aluminum and copper require a different polishing technique than hard materials like steel and titanium. The polishing speed and pressure also need to be adjusted based on the material and surface finish requirements.
It is important to maintain consistency in the polishing process to ensure that all parts have a uniform finish. Any variations in the polishing process can result in variations in the surface quality of the finished parts.
Polishing in CNC Machining Applications
Polishing is a common process in CNC machining applications. In precision machining, the surface quality of the finished parts is critical. This is because any surface defects or roughness can affect the performance and durability of the finished part.
Polishing is also essential in injection molding applications where the surface quality of the mold cavity can impact the surface finish of the finished part. Polishing can remove any surface defects in the mold cavity and improve the surface quality of the finished parts.
Cost Considerations in Polishing
The cost of polishing is a significant consideration in CNC machining applications. The cost of the polishing process can depend on several factors such as the material being polished, the type of polishing technique used, and the complexity of the part being polished.
The time required to achieve the desired surface finish can also affect the cost of the polishing process. Some materials require more time and effort to polish, which can increase the overall cost of the machining process.
Ruitai’s CNC Machining and Surface Treatment Capability
Polishing is an essential surface finish for CNC machining prototypes, providing a range of benefits for machined parts. Whether you are looking to improve the surface quality, functionality, or durability of your parts, polishing can help you achieve your goals. At Ruitai, we apply CNC machining to create high-precision prototypes. And polishing is one of the surface finishes for CNC prototypes. If you need our support, the Ruitai team is glad to support you.