Superfinishing Technology
What is superfinishing? The perfect finish.
Tape and stone superfinishing
Superfinishing is a chip removing machining process. But not one that is comparable to any other. In contrast to the classic lathe turning and grinding methods, there is full surface contact between the tool and the workpiece.
This is precisely the feature that produces the unique characteristics of a perfectly machined surface. This is superfinishing!
By overlaying workpiece rotation and tool oscillation, each individual grain travels along a sinusoidal line – a feature typical for this process.
All the grinding grains in contact with the workpiece create a machining pattern by means of overlaying individual sinusoidal lines that cross each other at a particular angle. This generates a specific, defined pattern of grooves and plateaux, which, in turn, results in the particular advantages of the superfinishing process. The grooves act as channels to aid uniform distribution of the lubricant, while the plateaux guarantee a high percentage contact area.
The tools in use here are either bonded grinding compound on a solid substrate, such as ceramic, or on a flexible backing such as a textile tape.
Uniform lubricant distribution, higher bearing ratio, improved microgeometry, optimized peak heights – this is workpiece quality made by superfinishing.
Superfinishing - the advantages
- Less friction
- Lower wear
- Low noise levels
- Low energy costs
- Safe application
- Short machining times
- Lower tooling costs
- Low capital investment
- High degree of flexibility
- Reduction in surface roughness
- Increase of bearing ratio to over 90% thanks to the plateau-like surface texture
- mprovement in microgeometry regarding roundness, waviness and such associated qualities as cylindricity
- Optimization of tribological and run-dry properties by means of cross-hatch finishing
Superfinishing applications
Machinable materials
The superfinishing process is suitable for any material that can be machined with geometrically undefined cutting edges.
This includes steel in all of its many alloys, but also ceramic, plastic, monocrystalline silicon, cast iron, and non-ferrous metals.
What’s more, any workpiece with a coating — from tungsten carbide to chromium to copper — can also be processed by our machines to achieve the desired surface finish.
- Machining of various materials using superfinishing technology
- The right machining process for each specific workpiece
- The right superfinishing system for each requirement
