Metal products often age or erode over time due to constant exposure to harmful elements such as high temperature, oxygen, and wear. However, metal polishing prevents oxidation and contamination of these components and produces a high-quality finish.
Polishing the surface of metal products requires a certain level of creativity. This article explains the benefits of metal polishing, the steps required, and the types of polishing. You will also receive useful tips on how to polish metal plates successfully. Let's start!
Advantages of metal polishing
Metal polishing offers several benefits in metal processing, including highlighting shapes, designs and features. This section explains some of the general benefits of metal plate polishing.
1. Product aesthetics
In general, machined metal parts do not automatically obtain the smooth, attractive surface that you would normally see on them. The grinding wheels of the polishing machine smooth out the rough surfaces of the processed components. They remove scratches, imperfections, blemishes and nicks on the surface of the machined component, providing a smooth, shiny surface.
However, the desired specifications in terms of product aesthetics can determine the processing time and cost of metal parts.
2. Provides a layer of protection
Metal polishing, like titanium polishing, offers other benefits besides improving the surface quality of your metal products. Polished metals perform better and look good longer than unpolished metals.
The abrasive polishing process helps prevent contamination and oxidation on metal surfaces. It forms a protective layer of metal, usually a reflective surface, that can reduce wear or corrosion.
3. Better light reflection
The surface of polished metal parts shines brighter and more vivid, resulting in effective light reflection. Therefore, this property is advantageous in applications where highly reflective properties are required, including architectural elements, jewelry and decorative items.
4. Better functionality
Metal polishing improves the functionality of metal components in certain applications, such as precision instruments and machine components. Polishing eliminates all surface defects and achieves a smooth and uniform surface. Additionally, polishing metal surfaces reduces friction, improving overall performance and conductivity.
5. Greater cleaning
Metal polishing techniques give your pieces the appropriate finish and avoid the risk of bacteria and germs that can damage and deteriorate the surface. Furthermore, the properly polished metal components allow you to clean and maintain them easily due to their smooth surfaces. This allows for efficiency, reducing the time needed to clean the material.
Additionally, the amount of harmful chemicals used to clean the metal surface is reduced. However, some chemicals increase the rate of wear and surface corrosion of metal parts.
Different Metal Polishing Techniques
Product engineers often use various polishing techniques to improve the surface quality of their metal products. Before we discuss the different metal polishing techniques, let's look at the pre-polishing process you should know about.
Surface preparation before polishing
It is important to properly prepare the metal surface to be polished before polishing. Here are some steps you should follow for better surface preparation:
- Remove rust or corrosion : Before polishing, you must remove any rust or corrosion from the surface of a metal part.
- Clean the surface : Remove any grease, dirt or contaminants from the metal surface using a suitable cleaning agent such as a mild detergent.
- Compensate for irregularities : Smooth out any dents, scratches and imperfections in the metal surface.
- Rinse and dry : After removing any imperfections from the metal surface, you will need to rinse off any residue from cleaning products, abrasives or rust removers. Clean and dry the surface thoroughly to avoid water stains and corrosion.
After you are ready to metal surface, this section describes step-by-step instructions on metal polishing techniques.
1. Manual polishing technique
Hand polishing is a manual technique that uses various polishing materials and tools. This requires direct contact between the metal surface and the polisher. Although hand polishing takes more time than mechanical polishing techniques, it provides customized, controlled, and precise results. Below are the steps of the manual polishing process:
Select and apply polishing agent
Choose a suitable polishing paste depending on the type of metal and desired surface. Typical examples of polishing pastes are jewelry polishes, metal polishes and polishing pastes.
Start by polishing
Rub the metal surface with a polishing compound in a circular or back-and-forth motion using moderate pressure. Polish continuously until you reach the desired shine level. However, you will need to reapply the paste if necessary.
Clean and check
After achieving the desired polish, clean the metal surface with a soft cloth to remove any remaining polishing paste. Also inspect the surface of the part for imperfections or areas that need more work.
2. Machine polishing technology
Mechanical polishing technology uses power tools such as dual polishing machines or rotary polishing machines. Types of metals compatible with this technique include titanium, nickel, chromium, bronze, stainless steel, and copper.
Manufacturers in various industries, such as electronics, aerospace, and medical devices, often use mechanical polishing techniques to achieve desired results.
Below is a step-by-step guide to the machine polishing technique:
Choose the right polishing pad
Depending on the level of polish desired, use the appropriate polishing disc. Various polishing pads made of wool, foam or microfiber with different levels of aggressiveness are suitable for cutting polish.
Apply the polishing paste
Apply a small amount of polishing compound to the polishing pad. Make sure to cover the pad evenly, but don't overload the metal surface with polish.
Set the speed and start polishing
Program the polisher to the desired speed. Then begin polishing by moving the machine over the surface of the machined parts in a slow, overlapping motion. Use moderate pressure when buffing and avoid buffing one area for longer to avoid heat buildup.
Check progress
Stop periodically and check the progress of polishing the metal. Wipe off excess nail polish and inspect the surface for imperfections. If necessary, replace the polishing pad and adjust the polishing pressure and speed.
Complete the polishing
After reaching the desired level of shine, clean the metal surface with a soft cloth and remove any residue.
3. Chemical polishing technique
This technique uses special chemical compounds to remove thin layers of the metal surface, creating an improved and aesthetically pleasing exterior. Chemical polishing is an ideal technique for delicate pieces. Here is an overview of the chemical polishing technique:
Choose an appropriate chemical polishing solution
Different chemical solutions are available for this technique depending on the type of metal. Caustics are an important component of these solutions. They selectively dissolve the surface layer of sheet metal.
Prepare the solution
Properly mix the chemical polishing solution following the instructions provided. Typically the mixture is diluted with a specific solvent or water.
Submerge the metal object
Bathe the metal part in the chemical polishing compound. Make sure the metal part is completely submerged and the solution is spread over the metal surface marked for polishing.
Monitor the chemical process
You need to be very careful when chemically polishing metal parts as it is a delicate process. Observe the reaction of the metal parts with the polishing solution. However, the time required for polishing depends on the type of metal and the desired result.
Rinse and dry
After removing the metal parts from the solution, rinse them thoroughly with water. Then let them dry completely to avoid water stains or corrosion.
Types of Metal Polishing Surfaces
There are different types of polishes suitable for your metal products. Let's look at the details.
1. Highly polished
High gloss or mirror finish provides high reflectivity, which is more suitable for stainless steel products. It is an excellent surface for hiding welded metal components and allowing for easy cleaning. The process requires careful polishing and buffing techniques. High-gloss metallic polishing gives the final product a reflective, almost mirror-like surface that is generally smooth and flawless.
2. Brushed finish
This metal polish creates an aesthetic pattern of fine parallel lines. It is the perfect finish for pieces intended for external or internal use where they will be exposed to the sun or intense indoor light. Most kitchen utensils tend to have a brushed finish. However, you must use a high-quality abrasive to ensure the lines are even.
3. Satin finish
Satin finishing is a standard metal polishing method that provides a smooth, matte shine appearance. You can use fine abrasives to polish your metal parts to a uniform surface with a light appearance.
This polishing result gives the metal a smooth feel and a more subtle elegance. The satin finish is recommended for applications that require a sophisticated appearance, such as jewelry, household appliances and architectural elements.
4. Antique finish
Antique polishing gives aged or eroded metal an antique appearance. This type of polish is suitable for furniture, architectural elements and decorative objects, giving them a sense of history and character.
You can combine processes like hand-aging techniques, patination, and chemical treatments to achieve an antique or vintage finish. Depending on the desired aesthetic, these methods produce various effects, including discoloration, staining, or a worn appearance. However, the main goal is to mimic the natural aging process and give the metal a long-lasting, antique appeal.
Tips for getting great results when polishing metal
In this section we will give you some useful tips for successfully polishing your metal products.
Choose the right polishing tools
Use quick abrasive pastes and do not rub one spot for a long time to avoid overheating the metal surface for a long time. For grinding, it is recommended to use grinding wheels with polyester film to obtain uniform roughness levels. Additionally, use a reliable wax polish to preserve an already polished metal surface, and make sure the abrasive is neither too runny nor too hard.
Apply the polishing agent discreetly
The constant variation in polishing direction is ideal because it provides uniformity in polishing components with irregular shapes and sizes. Therefore, avoid polishing metal parts in one direction. Furthermore, it is advisable to apply polish over marks and scratches on metal surfaces, rather than along them.
Take necessary safety precautions
Wear appropriate protective equipment during any polishing process, as the process can be dangerous without protection. Remove grease or other stains from metal parts with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.
Concluding
Metal polishing refines the surface of metal products, giving them ideal aesthetics and durability. Most importantly, it improves the functionality of such products. This article has successfully explained the benefits of metal polishing and how you can make the most of this finishing method.
Common questions
What tool can I use to polish metal parts?
The buffing wheel is the standard tool for lifting and applying polishing compounds to the surface of metal parts. You must apply the polishing compound to the polishing wheel while turning it with an industrial polisher or hand drill.
What is the difference between polishing and grinding?
Polishing is a gentle process that uses less coarse abrasive material to achieve a shiny, reflective surface. Polishing is a more intensive process that uses an abrasive to remove stains and scratches. However, your desired outcome will determine which of these two methods is best for your project.
What are the main reasons for polishing metal products?
Product manufacturers often polish metal products to reduce the risk of instrument contamination, improve surface appearance, provide a reflective surface, and prevent corrosion.
