46085

Polishing copper alloy (BeCu) [California] 

August 9, 2007

I have a current edge surface roughness (Ra) of 2.25 microns (Delta between high and low spots)
I would also like to radius the corners on this material to create a spherical crowning effect without mechanical polishing.

I would like a surface roughness (Ra) of .5 microns or smoother, I won't rule out nickel plating to help with this process....

What type of etching would you recommend? Electro-etching/polishing? or straight bright dip?

this part will rub against a plastic film layer...and I am trying to extend the life of the plastic...

contact point consists of a 0.5mm radius and it is 0.5mm thick (thickness runs parallel with the linear movement)

Rob Lu
Hobby - San Francisco, CA, USA

Strange hobby, Rob :-)

I don't really understand your description of the component, I'm afraid; but copper can be electropolished and the process can probably meet both your need for smoothing the surface and radiusing the corners more effectively than a chemical dip. Good luck.

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