Metal Polishing 

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The polishing process

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The polishing and buffing processes are the finishing operation for smoothing a surface using the

abrasive particles and a rotating wheel. The abrasive material is applied between the wheel and

work surface to shine the part. The buffing process generally uses the loose abrasive applied to the

wheel, while the polishing process is relatively harsher. The schematic of polishing process is

shown in Fig. 1, where the polishing wheel encounters the work-part under a force and surface

velocity. Friction at the contact area of polishing wheel and work surface causes an attrition action

and smoothen the part surface gradually.

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Brushing

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Although brushing normally involves the use of a fine abrasive action on the surface of the metal, in contrast to grinding and polishing there is no deliberate attempt to remove a surface layer. Rather it is modified by the action of bristles or a nylon fabric medium (Scotch-Brite) that may have some fine abrasive or lubricant included. Although it can be a single stage process, following a suitable polishing preparation stage, brushing can be done in several stages to obtain a particular finish.

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Stainless steel polishing

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Stainless steel is prone to tarnishing and water marks, so polish your steel items regularly to restore its shine. You can polish the surface of stainless steel using water, non-toxic cleaners like vinegar or olive oil, or a specialized steel cleaner

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Buffing

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In buffing no attempt is made to remove metal from the surface. Buffing is only intended to smooth and brighten the existing surface. Traditionally buffing uses cotton or felt based media, often with the addition of lubricants applied to the buffing wheel.

Whenever buffing is being considered as the final finishing operation, it is important that the pretreated (or existing) surface is defined and controlled. Buffing cannot be used as a substitute for polishing to obtain finishes such as 1P/2P on 'intermediate' abraded ground or polished surfaces. It will only smooth down the surface and will not impart the same characteristics as if the surface has been abraded with successively finer grit sizes (ie as in polishing).

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Buffing cannot be used as shortcut to obtaining a polished finish. If the surface that is to be finished by buffing is too coarse, there is risk that traces of the underlying surface finish will be visible on the finally buffed surface.

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Shine  Metal Polishing & Finishing prides itself on a great finished product. Metal polishing can be just a single step to a further process depending on what your required finish is.

 

Eg: You may be requiring chrome plating done to your loved objects so you will need it prepared/polished. Shine Metal can help you. If you are painting or needing to strip back an item rest assured we can handle the process for you. Their are many different metal polishing finishes which you may like. Please dont hesitate to ask about the many availble options.

 

Metal polishing or restoring can also contain other processes & steps such as: Rust removal, weld finishing or repairing, corrosion repair, removal or pitting or oxidised areas & much more.

 

 

Mechanical Finishing

 

Mechanical metal finishing or polishing can invole the following processes. Their are many different methods of metal finishin, some depending on the condition and type of metal may work better than others. Eg:

 

 

• Mass finishing processes

• Tumble finishing

• Polishing

• Buffing

• Abrasive blasting

• Sandblasting

• Burnishing

• Grinding

 

 

 

Electroplating 

 

Electroplationg involves electric currents to reduce dissolved metals cations. This causes them to form a  metal coating on an electrode. Electroplating is often used to change or alter the surface properties of your metal objects (e.g. abrasion and wear resistance, corrosion protection, qualities, etc.) Electroplating may also be used to build up thickness on undersized parts or to form strength in areas where the metal has weakened.

 

In one technique, the anode is made of the metal to be plated on the part/object. Both sections are placed in a solution containing dissolved metal salts as well as other ions that permit the flow of electricity.

 

 

Metal Polishing Finishes

 

#3 Finish

 

Number #3 finish is sometimes also know as a brushed polished finish or satin finish.

 

 

 #4 Finish

 

You will see a number 4 finish on many commercial items such as:  Medical items/equipment, food processing equipment, and quite often of most stainless steel. The number 4 finish enhances the  appearance of the metal as well as increases the sanitary benefits. 

 

#6 Finish

 

The number 6 finish is also known as the satin finish. A satin finish is again a smoother finish with less visibal lines and again used in many areas such as commercial cooking equipment and food processing equipment.

 

#7 Finish

 

The number 7 finish is commonly done in the process of chrome plating to prepare the metals for plating. A number 7 finish is quite bright and almost mirror like in some cases but still not a mirror polished finish. This is a finish many use in polishing items where they require a great quality job but still not absolutely mirror polish quality.

 

#8 Finish

 

Also known as a mirror finish. This is where Shine Metal Polishing & finishing will remove all surface impurities. A quality finished product will allow you too see a clear vivid reflection in your metal object. The metal objects are often sissal buffed after many other steps then polished to a mirror bright finish. Some metals and aluminum cannot be brought to a mirror finish. Please ask Shine Metal Polishing & Finishing which metal finish is best suited for your project.

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Chrome plating

 

Need something Chrome plated?

 

How much does it cost? Unfortunately, this answer is not a simple fix price. A rough guideline could be wheel pricing starting @ $150 depending on many factors inclusive on the current condition of the wheel/s. Turnaround time can be anywhere from 10-15 business days. What can be chrome plated? All types of wheels and parts can be Chrome plated and/or polished.

 

The chrome plating process can be expensive... Stripping the old coatings from your parts creates hazardous waste that is much more expensive to separate and treat than chrome plating.

 

The chrome plating found on car trim and kitchen appliances can also be achieved at home (although not recommend). Using electrolysis, it's possible to bind chromium onto metals such as steel, brass, copper, aluminium and stainless steel, creating the shiny finish.

 

 

 

 

 

Electroplating

 

Electroplating is a process used to apply a coating, via electrolysis, from an electrically conductive base material to the object to be coated. Often used to silver plate cutlery and other decorative objects. The articles to be electroplated are immersed in an electrolyte containing dissolved salts of the metal to be deposited, and they are made the cathode to a DC supply. To complete the electrical circuit, anodes are also immersed in the electrolyte. In the bath, current is transferred in the electrolyte by ionic conduction. The potential applied between anode and cathode is the driving force for transfer of charge across the metal-solution interfaces. The process of depositing a thin layer of any superior metal over an object of a cheaper metal with the help of electric current is called electroplating. Metals which are electroplated include nickel, chromium, tin, copper, silver, zinc, lead and gold.

 

 

 

 

 

Metal polishing

 

Polishing and buffing are finishing processes for smoothing a workpiece's surface using an abrasive belt, pad, wheel, or leather strop. Polishing refers to processes that uses an abrasive while buffing uses a loose abrasive applied to the work wheel. Polishing is a more aggressive process while buffing will normally be less harsh, this leads to a smoother, brighter finish. Bright finishes are usually buffed.

 

Metal finishing alters the surface of metal to improve its resistance to corrosion, rust and wear caused by air pollutants, chemicals and normal every day wear and tear. Contact Shine Metal for any further information on Metal Polishing in Brisbane.

 

 

 

 

Stainless steel

 

Does stainless steel need to be polished? Stainless steel is prone to tarnishing and water marks, so polish your steel items regularly to restore its shine. You can polish the surface of stainless-steel using water, non-toxic cleaners like vinegar or olive oil, or a specialized steel cleaner. There are many home remedies you can utilise on your stainless steel at home. To reduce scratches on stainless steel, a fine layer of certain types of toothpaste with a soft cloth in the direction that your custom stainless steel panel has been brushed. This is where baking soda comes in handy. Its powdery texture makes a very gentle abrasive that shouldn't scratch your stainless steel. If you’re in need of polishing your stainless steel we suggest you contact a professional. Polishing stainless steel is one of our specialties.