Letter 38054

What is the latest technique for getting mirror like shining on stainless steel utensils [India] 

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I am in charge of the new product development for getting mirror like finishing on ss utensils without any scratch.We have tried it by using a flap wheel then giving a coating of buffing compound(made of calcined alumina and wax) and then polishing the surface .But it is not giving the required lusture and also it is taking lots of time.Is there any product available that is specifically made for polishing ss utensils and a readymade flap wheel already coated with buffing compound.
I will be intrested on the newest technique for the same.Is the size of the abrasive powder is taking a big role ? What is the exact size range for polishing?I have talked with many people but did not get the proper answer.

Thanking you,

PRASANTA GORAI
- KOCHI, KERALA, INDIA

I don't think you're ready to automate the process yet if "it is not giving the required lustre", Prasanta. I think you need to find the right abrasive, the right wheels, and the right polishing and buffing sequence and get exactly the right lustre. Once that is done, I think you will find that there are automatic polishing and buffing machines available which will disperse the compounds as liquids at the work interface, enabling you to carry out the process at volume and with speed.

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, NJ

I agree with Ted. You have to master the process at low volume to proceed to high volume automation. Now, the particle size for mirror finish will be from 4 to 1 microns depending on your "mirror" definition. Also important are the previous finish, exerted pressure and speed and hardness of the base material.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico

Just an add on for the other good advice. You did not give us any details on the existing surface finish prior to polishing. That does mean a lot in determining the proceedures and developing a process and/or equipment.

AF Kenton Nova Finishing Systems Inc. Huntingdon Valley, PA

Dear Mr.PRASANTA GORAI
* You can try with a polishing pastes which is used for polishing stainless steel kitchen wares.I dont know the formula.

** you have to control revolution of polishing device, must be less than 4000 rpm.
*** pls try with felt(wool or nonwoven) disc/wheel first, than softer one like cotton wheel,at the end cotton wheel without any paste.take care overheating.
**** if not satisfied think "electropolishing" as an alternative.keyword:"electropolishing"
PS:Please ask Mr.Ted Mooney,to give you an idea,what are the right abrasives, right wheels etc?
Shiny days,

Zafer Ersalan
- TURKEY

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