Surface Engineering
Isotropic Superfinish (ISF) surface engineering is helpful since it adds value and improves the performance of traditional machine operations.
Across a number of fields, the extensive advantages of the ISF process are felt – particularly in adding value to and enhancing performance of conventional operations. Bearings, gears as well as other engineered components transfer energy and/or motion by rolling, sliding, rotating or engaging their complementary partners. For so long a time now, engineers have long been concerned about metal-to-metal contact since this situation would most likely result to premature wear and lessened efficiency.
In the field of metal finishing for genetic deburring, vibratory bowls are normally used. The use of vibratory bowls could be extended in surface superfinishing – by using non-abrasive, high-density media combined with isotropic superfinishing chemistry.
When two metals come in contact with one another, the friction created causes the metals to heat up. Know that even if a surface looks smooth when observed through your naked eye, it shall always have ridges and irregularities once scrutinized under a microscope. When you have two pieces of metal that come in contact with each other, these ridges grind against one another and result to friction and heat.
While it’s true that lubricants can minimize the effects of grinding, more drastic measures still need to be employed to fix much of the damage. The ISF surface engineering process smoothes out these ridges at a molecular level so you have an even surface, resulting in a longer component lifespan and less friction, which translates to less heat generated. By utilizing the ISF process in removing surface asperities, your components shall be able to work at reduced temperatures, with more durability, at improved efficiency and at a quieter operation.
Applying this concept to race car mechanics, you would get components that last longer, move freer and stay cooler. 50-60% reduction in parasitic drag is common. With the superfinishing process, the advantages of the use of lubricants are improved; therefore, you’ll have less frequent oil changes and less metallic buildup. With this, a unique isotropic surface condition is created. The ISF Process significantly lessens wear in parts made of these materials. REM is always open to working with new materials and alloys.
Therefore, the most efficient and cost effective method in surface engineering is one that combines the use of mass engineering equipment and accelerated refinement chemistries that are non-hazardous. To reiterate, the ISF surface engineering process has the following advantages: reduction in friction, decrease in wear of the components, increase in durability, and improvement in corrosion resistance. The process has proven applications in several industries including aerospace, automotive, gearing & bearings, medical, military, motor sports, off-highway and power generation.
