Superfinishing

Our superfinishing process is designed to refine and polish surfaces to enhance component performance. This is an engineered finish with the benefit of producing a low friction surface that will reduce rolling resistance and hence contact stresses. Of most benefit on transmission parts as well as sliding and rotating surfaces. Whilst the final finish is dependent on the quality of surface we are working from it is possible to get down to 0.03 Ra.

• Produces fine low friction surface.
• Increases power efficiency
• Reduces contact stress
• Reduced operating temperatures

Data in this NASA graph is an indication of the increase in gear life that can be achieved by superfinishing. This improved surface finish provides a much reduced contact stress pattern.

In this image the surface of this cam fastener shows typical shot peened surface texture. The second image is the same part post superfinish. The residual compressive stress achieved by shot peening is still retained but the surface now has a much smoother surface finish to reduce rotational contact stress.

As well as reduced contact stress and the removal of stress concentrations there is an additional benefit for components running in or around liquids. The smooth surface improves the ability to shed liquids from the surface hence the liquid is recirculated and not retained on the component this is a particular benefit on components like gears, conrods and crankshafts.

Image shows superfinished crankshaft.