Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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How to remove the turning lines from Aluminum

Aluminum A6061 after turning has significant lines on the surface. Any method to remove the turning lines and give the finish shine?

Wax polishing works, but takes a long time and is not a benefit to production value.

Appreciate you sharing your value knowledge and experience with me.

Thanks.

Candy, Malaysia.

Candy Pang
plating shop - Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
March 26, 2011

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Hi, Candy.

Attempting to fix or disguise the lines should only be done after you have already studied what is causing them and done everything practical to eliminate them at that point; each process that you implement introduces its own defects and hardships, as you are already seeing in the way waxing is interfering with your production. Are you certain that no dull tools or overheating is ever allowed? Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
March 28, 2011

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On a final "kiss" pass, decrease the feed rate and possibly increase the turning speed. If you do not have a kiss pass, add one. Selection of the cutting tool is important. While I would not recommend it for your operation, "diamond turning" will leave a finish similar to a rough grind. James Watts - Navarre, Florida Hi Candy, I think you need to introduce the Heat treatment for the Aluminium before Machining because the aluminium material is soft in nature. If you are doing the Machining on Soft condition, lines will appear. I think wax is not the long term solution. For defining the Hardness after Heat treatment on the aluminium, with different trials. Kannan Boopathi - Salem, TamilNadu, India

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You have been given some good advice; however, if you can't correct what caused the problem, I suggest you look into mass finishing equipment if your parts are not too big or heavy.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
March 29, 2011