Summary for vibratory tumbler polishing Discussion
Mirror polishing very small hardened steel components is discussed briefly, with the practical suggestion that a vibratory tumbler may be the best route for finishing tiny parts. The thread points readers to a vibratory tumbler available on Amazon and also mentions Anna Berkovich at Russamer Lab in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as a resource, though the note adds that she has retired as of the July 2025 update. Because the excerpt is very short, no detailed process parameters, media choices, or polishing sequence are given. The main takeaway is that for very small hardened steel components, a vibratory tumbling approach is worth considering, and outside help or equipment sourcing may be needed if the parts are too small or delicate for conventional hand polishing.
Q. We need to polish carbon steel parts having hardness 54 HRC. The part size is 0.4 mm in diameter and length 2.3 mm. It is used in electrical meter for smooth movement. It have a tip with radius 0.02 mm and to be controlled. We are trying to polish in small vibratory machine. Please suggest the abrasive media and how to process.
shivaji Apake
– Thane
September 5, 2024
A. There is an option to electropolish such small pieces in bulk, however they are flat and will stick to each other. Another option is to try to chemically polish them.
adv.
Do not guarantee if it works, however if you send us some material, we can test.
Anna Berkovich
Russamer Lab – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
(ed. update July, 2025: sorry, Anna has retired)