The Isotropic Superfinish (ISF) surface engineering is a value-adding as well as performance-enhancing improvement to conventional machining operations.
The wide-ranging advantages of the ISF process add value and enhance performance across a wide range of industries. Bearings, gears and other engineered components transmit energy and/or motion by rolling, sliding, rotating or engaging their complementary partners. Areas of metal-to-metal contact between components are of great engineering issue, because such contact points boost frictional resistance, resulting in premature wear and reduced 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 utilizing non-abrasive, high-density media in conjunction with isotropic superfinishing chemistry.
When a couple of metals come in contact with each another, the friction produced causes the metals to heat up. Be aware that even if a surface looks smooth when observed through your naked eye, it will always have ridges and irregularities once scrutinized under a microscope. When you have a couple of metal that come in contact with each other, these ridges grind against one another and create friction and heat.
While it's true that lubricants can minimize the effects of grinding, more drastic measures still need to be used to resolve much of the damage. The ISF surface engineering process takes care of 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. Using the ISF process to remove surface asperities allows your components to work at lower temperatures, with greater durability, quieter operation, and increased efficiency.
If you are into race car driving, what you get are parts that last longer, move freer, and stay cooler than the competition. Another common advantage is the 50-60% reduction in parasitic drag. The superfinishing process improves the action of the lubricant you use and requires less frequent oil changes, with less metallic buildup when you do decide it is time to change the oil. With this, a unique isotropic surface condition is generated. The ISF Process substantially reduces wear in parts made of these materials. Working with new materials and alloys is no problem with REM.
The most efficient, cost-effective way to surface engineer involves the use of mass engineering equipment in conjunction with accelerated refinement chemistries that are non-hazardous and environmentally-friendly. Some of the numerous benefits of ISF surface engineering are: it lessens friction and wear, increases part durability, and improves corrosion resistance. The efficiency of this procedure has been proven in many industries including aerospace, gearing and bearings automotive, medicine, motor sports, military and off-highway and power generation.
This article was added on Thursday 21 January, 2010.
