What are Mechanical Finishes?
Mechanical finishes cover a range of processes used to transform the surface of a metal parts to achieve specific benefits.
Depending on the material and how the finished part will be used, AMF Technologies can use a mechanical finishing process to improve aesthetics, adhesion, electrical conductivity, resistance to tarnishing, corrosion or chemicals and more. We use the following methods for mechanical surface treatments.
Mechanical Finishes: Media Blasting
Media blasting, also known as grit blasting and abrasive blasting, is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure.
It can be used to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, reshape a surface or remove surface contaminants. A pressurized fluid, typically compressed air, or a centrifugal wheel is used to propel the blasting media.
There are a variety of different blasting media for obtaining the desired surface finish. Highly abrasive media includes Black Beauty and Aluminum Oxide. Glass beads and plastic media are use as moderate abrasive.
Mechanical Finishes: Polishing and Buffing
Polishing and buffing are mechanical processes that smooth the surfaces of metal parts and result in a matte or mirror finish.
They are used to enhance the appearance of a product, produce a reflective surface, remove oxidation and prevent contamination and oxidation.
Abrasive belts are used for polishing that produces a brushed finish and cloth wheels buff surfaces with applied compounds to achieve a bright mirror finish.
The desired results are determined by the level of abrasiveness of the grit belt and whether buffing is performed.
