BURNISHING

Burnishing or mass finishing is an economical method to process parts in bulk to achieve a variety of surface effects. De-burring, de-scaling, smoothening or brightening, stock removal, and surface preparation for subsequent operations can be accomplished.

Burnishing can be accomplished with the use of burnishing compounds, with or without media. Parts are loaded into a vessel and then agitated using various mechanical methods. The mechanical action causes the parts to rub against any media or other parts in the vessel. This will smoothen or brighten the surface by removing stock material, burrs, oxides or scale. This mechanical action can be provided by various pieces of equipment. Vibratory bowls, centrifugal barrel, centrifugal disk, and spin/spindle finishing systems are some examples.

Mass finishing media can be described as the loose material found within the mass of parts inside the finishing machine. The media can be of several types;

• Natural crushed or graded stone – limestone or granite
• Corundum or novaculite
• Agricultural – ground corn cob, nut shells, sawdust
• Preformed  - ceramic / abrasive shapes, plastic
• Case hardened steel or stainless steel

Burnishing compounds provide numerous advantages. They can enhance the brightening or stock removal, condition hard water to prevent scale formation in the equipment or on the media, removal of  oils or surface grit, reduce foaming, provide rust prevention, and lubricity. Alkaline, acidic or neutral based compounds are available.

BURNISHING COMPOUNDS

CORROSION INHIBITORS