High gloss polishing of tool steels – step by step
Year: 2011
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: The surface preparation of moulds for high gloss applications, e.g. tools for injection moulding of plastic parts, is still a relatively unknown area. Most knowledge is accumulated by individual polishers with long experience in the field. Literature covering the polishing process/mechanisms is rare and it becomes harder and harder to recruit new skilled polishers. Today it is also a matter of time, and cost; how long time is needed to prepare a new mould? How many steps are needed? Which tools? Is it possible to replace the manual polishers by robots? This article is part of a study where equivalent steel samples were prepared in different polishing shops to investigate the surface quality achieved in every step of the process. The polishers have documented their processes and comment on the final results. The main goal was to study how different proceedings affect the final surface quality; which are the crucial factors in order to achieve a high gloss polished surface with low defect levels? The sample analysis is based on visual estimations as well as interferometer measurements and belonging surface parameters; e.g. seems the number of preparation steps be crucial to the final surface quality.
Authors: Sabina Rebeggiani, Bengt-Göran Rosén
Language: English
Subfield: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Award: G6549597018
OpenAlex ID: W36635460