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.
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.
Various 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 or contact us online! 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.