Precision Engineering: Surface Finishing Options for Metallic Equipment Parts

Precision engineering is a critical field in the fabrication industry, particularly in the production of metal equipment parts. The processes and techniques used during this type of manufacturing contribute to the formation of products with low tolerances. Basically, this means that the custom equipment components will have accurate dimensions and consequently, the final product will fit in pertinent industrial or commercial machinery as desired. If you are thinking about ordering these types of metallic machined parts for your business, you should consider finishing options. Your choice will affect the durability of the part, performance, and general aesthetic appeal. Here are the main surface finishing techniques that you can choose for your precision engineered equipment parts.

Surface Grinding

The process of surface grinding is ideal for removing minute flaws in engineered metallic products. Consequently, the external aesthetic value and even performance of the equipment part will be improved. Generally, this type of technique is performed using a grinding machine that consists of a rotating wheel with an abrasive surface. When the wheel comes in contact with machined components, it will scrub away the undesirable layer of material for a smoother look. You should consider choosing the surface grinding technique for equipment parts made from steel and iron. These are tough materials, so they require the abrasive action for good finishing.

Grit Blasting

Grit blasting is also commonly known as sandblasting or abrasive blasting. As implied, this technique involves releasing some coarse particles on the pertinent fabricated equipment part. The medium will systematically wear away the external layer to remove contaminants and flaws and to create the desired surface texture. Large abrasive particles will form a matte surface; this is ideal for applying paint or other coatings. Smaller abrasive particles will result in a smoother surface which visually ideal. You can commission this type of finishing technique on any metallic material because there are different abrasive materials to handle different surfaces. The common media include steel shot, sand, ground walnut shells and even glass shot.

Polishing

Polishing is suitable for precision engineered components that have minimal flaws. For instance, this process can be performed after the completion of surface grinding and grit blasting process. Basically, the polishing process involves rubbing the metal surfaces with a slightly abrasive material like leather or a tough fabric. This process will remove oxidised layers from the metal and create a more reflective look. In addition, proper polishing will prevent or reduce the risk corrosion and rusting by getting rid of significant surface pores.

About Me

Optimising Sheet Metal in Building Projects and Other Manufacturing Blogs

Welcome! My name is Fiona. I'm a designer who works in marketing, but in my youth, I dreamed of being an architect. I was especially interested in combining interesting materials into buildings. In this blog, I want to explore that old love. I plan to write about using sheet metal in building, and I may go into the equipment involved or write about other industrial concepts as well. I hope to help you with every aspect of the process from shopping to building. Thank you for reading, and if you like my posts, please share them with others!

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