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Q&As since 1989


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Chemical Additives Improving Finishing

I have heard that there are finishing chemical additives that speed up the vibrofinishing by chemically softening the metal surface. Has anybody experience with these products? Can you tell me whether they really make the finishing more effective (fast, better, cheaper)? Are there any drawbacks?

Giovanni M. Ciriani
Promotion - Altavilla, VI, Italy
2002

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The chemicals you are referring to are known as accelerators. Yes they do work, depending on the application. Even though the technology has been around for a couple of years, I still think that there is a lot to be desired here. First of all, the proper chemical, along with porcelain media and metal being processed does work well. Primarily, the chemical products need to match the proper metal alloy. To do that, you need to talk with the manufacturer of the chemicals. Even then, the results can vary. However, when you get the process right, it can significantly improve processing times and surface profiles.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2002