Metal Polishing & Buffing

Polishing

The term polish has different meanings depending on who you are talking to. The Metal Finishes Guide defines metal polishing as a process that enhances the surface of a part by means of metal removal.

Metal Polishing Machines(Click to view larger images)
Metal Polishing and Buffing(Click to view larger images)

Surface Polishing Methods:

  • Use of an abrasive belt (sandpaper)
  • Use of an abrasive wheel (a wheel manufactured with an abrasive in it)
  • In a mass finishing process with abrasive media

All of the processes mentioned above RPA uses to help reach the final finish of a customers product. Whether it is metal finishing, plastics finishing, or composites finishing some removal of the surface is required. RPA has developed over many years of experience a combination of processes such as polishing on a belt or wheel to mass finishing or tumbling and even bead blasting to achieve the desired finish of the customer.

Buffing

Buffing unlike polishing is the process that will give the part its final finish. This to can be accomplished in many different ways. Depending on the desired finish of the customer, you can go from bright to dull, mirror to satin or brushed look.

Some of the Ways to Reach the Desired Finish:

  • Cotton wheel with a specific compound
  • Mass finishing with various medias
  • Bead blasting

In many cases when a customer talks about a buffed finish, it will usually mean a bright, maybe a mirror finish with no scratches or noticeable marks.

Metal Polishing And Buffing Materials:

  • Stainless Steel
  • Carbon Steel
  • Aluminum
  • Titanium
  • Copper
  • Brass

Plastics Polishing and Buffing Materials:

  • LLDPE, HDPE ,UHMW, PTFE
  • Polycarbonate, Polypropylene
  • Acetal
  • abs
  • Acrylic
  • cab
  • Nylon
  • Ultem
  • Peek

Composite Material Polishing and Buffing Materials

  • All Hard Material Composites

For a free, no-obligation initial polishing/buffing consultation and or to have help answering any technical or product related questions, call us today at (603) 335-2132. We’re based in New Hampshire, but we provide services throughout Massachusetts (MA), Maine (ME), Vermont (VT), Connecticut (CT), Rhode Island (RI), New York (NY) and internationally.