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Q&As since 1989


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Polishing stainless processes and grits

We polish stainless parts that we build on a daily basis and lately we have been looking for a better process or info on improvements we could make.the part is 3/8 thick and 2 1/4 x 4 in size with a small bend in it,we start out grinding welded area down then use a progressive grit ellis belt sander the do the finish size and shaping of part then 4 1/2 inch sand discs on grinder then 4 inch scotch brite pads of varying grits then a sisal buff wheel and cotton buff wheel .one other question this summer we have had problems with static shock from polishing on the cotton wheel .looking for better means of doing our job thanks for time on this issue any info would be much appreciated.

Bob Rimer
all 4 fun offroad - Albany, Oregon
2005

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Probably your best alternative is a mass finishing system; however, I'm not sure you you can entirely get away from some belt or grinding work. Mass finishing will modify and blend in a lot of surface problems, but it is not good for surface variations of over .040 in height. If you want a uniform finish, mass finishing will do a gret job and a multi step media process can achieve a mirror finish. Major factors are time and volume and the results you are looking for to select proper equip.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2005