Polishing Process of Bar Production
Polishing is often used in the manufacturing of bars to enhance the aesthetics of the finished product. Polishing can be used on bars of any surface, size and shape. The use of polishing process typically begins after the forging and machining processes for a particular part are completed.
When manufacturing bars, polishing is generally used to remove surface imperfections, strengthen the strength of the material, and to enhance the look and feel of the end product. Polishing will also help to protect the materials from corrosion and weathering.
Polishing can be done either manually or by machine. Machine polishing is typically done in an automated process and is the most effective and efficient way to produce polished bars.
The polishing process used depends on the material that is being worked on. Non-ferrous metals are usually polished with a soft cloth, while ferrous materials can be polished by using a mechanical orbital sander. The most common methods of polishing are buffing, honing and grinding.
Buffing is done in a two-step process. The first step is to roughen the surface with an abrasive media such as steel wool, an emery paper, or a buffing wheel. The second step is to remove the roughness and leave a smooth, shiny finish. Buffing is the most common method used to polish bar stock and is often performed manually.
Honing is similar to buffing, but instead of roughening the surface, the honing process is used to work out deep dents and scratches. Honing is usually done with an abrasive block or a grinding wheel. Grinding is the process of smoothing out a bar with a grinding wheel or an abrasive surface.
Once all the grinding and honing processes have been completed, a finish can then be applied to the bars. The finish can vary depending on the desired end result, but could include chrome, nickel and gold plating, paint, and anodizing. The finish can be applied in one of two ways; either by hand or through electroplating.
Electroplating is done in a metal vat and uses electrical current to apply a metal finish over the bar. This process is typically used on larger bars and can produce a luxurious and durable finish. Hand polishing is typically done with a soft cloth and metal polish. This process is more time consuming and is usually reserved for small pieces.
Regardless of the material used or what finishing process is applied, it’s important that the bars are maintained properly to protect against corrosion and damage. After the polishing process has been completed, the bars should be cleaned with a damp cloth and stored in a clean and secure area.
