Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between polishing and buffing?

Buffing and polishing using wheels and compounds is somewhat like using wet and dry sandpaper, only much faster. Instead of using elbow grease, you use the power and speed of an electric motor. The face of the wheel is the "sanding block," which carries a thin layer of compound (sandpaper) to the part.

The objective of buffing is to make a rough surface smooth; however, every part does not have the same finish and will need to be worked differently. Some divide buffing into satin finishing; cut-down buffing for preliminary smoothness; and cut-and-color buffing for smoothness and luster.

Polishing is not a precision operation. It is used to remove metal and produce fine-scale abrasion. Friction generates high temperatures that can soften the surface of the work piece. Polishing, which usually involves several stages, precedes buffing.

Buffing and polishing may seem like simple operations. You simply hold the work piece to the wheel until it shines. But there is an art to it, and you need to know the basics before you can make rough surfaces smooth and dull surfaces shine.

What is Vapor Degreasing?

Solvent vapor degreasing is a parts cleaning process that has been used in many applications for some years. Virtually every communications or electronics system and aircraft flying today has components that have been vapor degreased. Also, surgical tools and medical implants often are cleaned using solvent vapor degreasing. In fact, solvent vapor degreasing is almost limitless in its possible uses. Solvents are effective cleaners because of their ability to dissolve grease and oil. Therefore, they remove contaminants more easily than other cleaning methods.

What is the difference between Sulfuric Type II Anodizing and Hard Coat Type III Anodizing?

Hard Anodizing or Hardcoat Anodize produces an oxide coating that is typically thicker and denser than sulfuric acid anodize. Because of the film's density, it produces a hardness of 60 to 65 Rockwell on the C scale. The color of this film varies from light gray to dark olive gray depending on the material's alloy, temper and coating thickness. Because of the coating density, it is not as easily dyed and not typically used in cosmetic applications.
Wear resistance is the most frequent reason for specifying Hardcoat Anodizing over Sulfuric Anodizing. Hardcoat has excellent dielectric strength and is often used to insulate assembly components. Corrosion resistance is a third reason for using Hardcoat. At normal film thickness of 0.002", the coating offers corrosion protection superior to that of other anodic coatings, especially when it is sealed.

What is “RoHS”?

“RoHS” stands for “Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment”. It generally refers to Directive 2002/95/EC that entered into force on 27 January 2003. Article 4 of the RoHS Directive, hereinafter called “the Directive”, says that “member states shall ensure that, from 1 July 2006, new electrical and electronic equipment put on the market does not contain lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)”.

What is anodizing?

A coating of aluminum oxide is grown from the aluminum by passing an electrical current through an acid electrolyte bath in which the aluminum is immersed. The coating thickness and surface characteristics are tightly controlled to meet end product specifications.

What is the purpose of anodizing?

The purpose of anodizing is to form a layer of aluminum oxide that will protect the aluminum beneath it. The aluminum oxide layer has much higher corrosion and abrasion resistance than aluminum. There are some types of anodizing that produce a porous oxide layer that can be colored with organic dyes or metallic pigments giving the aluminum a decorative and protective finish.

What are some uses of anodized aluminum?

Because anodizing is such a versatile process there are thousands of different applications. Just to name a few, these include:

• Architectural products like windows and doors
• Appliances
• Automotive
• Lighting
• Food preparation equipment
• Furniture
• Sporting goods
• Marine

Can any material be anodized?

Most anodizing is done on aluminum although anodizing on Titanium is growing.

Why do people plate a part?

Plating can be used as a base for painting and to improve corrosion or wear resistance. It is also used as a decorative finish on many products including automotive parts, hand tools, plumbing fixtures and a variety of other applications.

What is the difference between Electroless and Bright Electrolytic Nickel?

While both processes are depositing a nickel composite on the substrate, Electroless nickel uses a chemical catalyst to facilitate the plating reaction as opposed to the Electrical current used in the Bright Nickel plating process. There are noticeable differences in appearance. Part configuration, design application and function are considerations when deciding on which process is recommended.

Why do you mechanically finish a part?

There are several reasons and ways to mechanically finish a part. Abrasive blasting, Shot blasting, Vibratory and Tumble Deburring, Harperizing/Centrifugal Finishing, Sanding, Buffing and Polishing are just a few types of mechanical finishing. As with the number of options for mechanically finishing a part, there are a variety of reasons to utilize this technology. Some of the reasons are:

• De-scaling and removing heat treat scale
• Eliminating burrs on the surface of parts
• Rounding edges for safe handling
• Preparing part parts for plating
• Texturing parts for adhesion or functionality
• Improving the cosmetic appearance of the parts