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Scratches when polishing aluminium pots [India] 

May 29, 2008

we are manufacturers of aluminium pressure cookers and pans. We would like to know how to polish aluminium pots to give mirror finish avoiding scratches.
We also like to know the method involved in it

Ilamathi Suryaraja
Director - India

Hi, Ilamathi. There is no real secret to mirror polishing, but there is such a thing as well developed technique. The problem could be in handling, or the wrong sequence of polishes and buffing wheels, or general quality control, inadequate operator training, or any number of other things. If you can formulate a very specific question, someone who is experienced in it may be able to answer it. But when you have such a generalized problem as improving your polishing technique, the only answer is to retain a knowledgeable consultant who can come in and actually look around and prioritize the problem areas. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

Add to Ted's statement. How much money are you willing to spend for a system?

AF Kenton Nova Finishing Systems Inc. Huntingdon Valley, PA

As Ted said, no secrets to polishing, only patience and better technique. No matter what you are polishing, rule number one is cleanliness. It takes time to clean, but in polishing, it is the most valuable investment. You absolutely have to keep your surface free from contamination. Sources for this include residues from previous abrasives, neighbor operations using larger abrasives, air dust, operator hands, cloth and hair. All you need to scratch a surface is one single particle larger than the ones you are using. Also, aluminum requires a specific lubricant.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico

Hello,

I agree with all opinions: knowledge must be rewarding.
Polishing is a sort of "craft" based on knowledge.
Different methods to obtain the same result but mechanism is only one.

Jose Castellanos

Jose Castellanos
- Minneapolis, MN, USA