Consider Microfinishing

Microfinishing (superfinish) is an abrasive process that delivers a number of advantages. With microfinishing it's possible to obtain very consistent surface finishes which are both predictable and repeatable. Achieve virtually any surface finish – Ra, Rz, Rt, Rpk and Bearing area. Use it to eliminate microscopic burrs left by grinding operations as well as removing defects from grinding operations – traverse, chatter and fishtales. Improve geometry – roundness, flatness and the like – and improve efficiency, reduce friction and noise.

Microfinish almost any material. In fact, the more difficult a material to finish with other processes, the easier it is for the process from Impco Machine Tools. Examples of microfinishing materials include tungsten carbide, ceramics, head coating, chrome plating, bearing steel, forged steel, chilled iron, cast iron, soft and hard rubber, copper, aluminum, and stainless steel among many others.

Parts as small as 3/16" dowel or as large as a yankee dryer drum – which can range up to 20 feet in diameter – are being microfinished. The list includes such parts as engine and transmission components, hydraulic and pump parts, shock absorber rods and struts, compressor parts, steel mill work rolls, paper machine rolls, copper foil drums and a large variety of others.

It is not expensive to microfinish. Abrasive costs are minimal and savings come as a result of a decrease in production time and labor expense. Since there are no rejections or questions of quality, additional savings are the result of the quality and consistency of a microfinished surface.

The microfinishing process is a simple technique and Impco machines are designed and built to be user friendly. Operators may be trained in just hours on operating the equipment.

There are machines designed for every application and budget. Microfinishing attachments may be mounted on existing lathes or grinders. These machines have all the capabilities of production machines but are used by those finishing large rolls and those who don't have high production requirements.

Production machines include centerless, vertical spindle, camshaft and crankshaft designs. The production machines may be ordered with minimal automation of the high degree of sophistication required in fully automated production lines and "lights off" operations. TMD

Learn more about Microfinishing (superfinish) by phoning Impco Machine Tools at 517- 484-9411. Fax them at 517-484-0502. Email: Sales@IMPCO.com.