Super finishing – the ultimate in increased performance benefits

Isotropic superfinishing has applications across several industries to drastically improve performance.

Here at Super Finishing Ltd, we’re proud to be the leading superfinishing provider in New Zealand. We supply, test and apply isotropic superfinishing because we know it’s the best surface finishing technology on the market.

The process - chemically accelerated vibratory finishing

The isotropic super finishing process is carried out in vibratory finishing bowls and tubs. Using vibratory finishing machines which are available in sizes from a tenth of a cubic metre to just above 7 cubic metres, parts can be finished in sizes less than five centimetres to more than 1.8 metres. The machines can hold from one to thousands of parts at once.

  • A non-abrasive ceramic media is used in the vibratory finishing machine. The surface levelling/smoothing mechanism creates the isotropic surface finish.

  • Using reactive chemistry, a conversion layer is created across the parts.

  • The ceramic media then wipes the conversion layer off the part’s surfaces, which removes imperfections and a micro-layer of metal.

This process is continued until asperities (uneven surfaces) are removed, creating a finish that has applications across some of New Zealand’s most important industries.

Benefits of isotropic super finishing

Performance benefits:

  • Reduced friction

  • Reduced wear

  • Reduced lubrication requirements & costs

  • Reduced contact & bending fatigue

  • Reduced vibration & noise

  • Reduced applied torque requirements

  • Increased part durability

  • Improved oil retention

  • Improved pitting resistance

  • Thinner oils can be used

  • Produces a uniform & superior surface finish

Additional advantages of friction reduction:

  • Increased fuel and energy economy

  • Increased power density

  • Reduced maintenance costs

  • Reduced metal debris in oils

  • Reduced part failures & overheating

  • Lowered operating temperature

  • Extended component life & mean time between maintenance

  • Eliminate break-in

Applications for industries

Automotive

Super finishing increases performance, efficiency and the life of metal to metal contact components in vehicles.

Not only that, but the increased component load carrying capacity allows engineers to downsize components or even increase power input.

This technology can effectively and efficiently be incorporated into high volume production lines to help lower processing costs for large process lots.

Automotive parts we commonly super finish are camshafts, rocker arms, bearings, shifter lobes, axles, tappets, springs, crankshafts, transmission gears & axles.

Super finishing can be used on alloys including steels, aluminium alloys, bronze, brass copper and titanium.

Motorsport

Motorsport parts experience high temperatures and friction as a result of high speeds under high torque requirements. Super finishing creates a smooth but crosshatched micro-textured surface that withstands harsh conditions and drives performance.

This process will increase fuel and operating efficiency, eliminate break-in requirements and reduce operating temperatures to help parts last considerably longer than standard components.

This technology has been used in numerous international racing series including Moto GP, Superbike, Motocross, Go Karts, Formula 1, Indy Racing, Nascar, SCCA Racing, Open Wheel Cart Series to name a few.

If you want a vehicle that is faster, more efficient and wins races, applying super finishing will give you the results you’re after.

Superfinishing also has numerous applications for industries such as Aerospace, Jewellery, Medical & Military, Firearms, Additive Manufacturing and many more!

Contact us to find out how isotropic superfinishing can benefit your industry or continue reading about it in the resources below

Articles

Websites

  • Stock Car Rockers

  • Cosworth V10 Camshaft

  • 410 Chevy Crank

  • Nissan CVT Gears

  • Toby Summers 2015 Superstock Champion

  • Ford GT40 Gears