What is Titanium Polishing: Ultimate Guide
Titanium polishing is important as it enhances the surface finish of titanium components. It helps to remove most of the titanium material from the component to add smoothness.
If you want to learn what is titanium polishing, you can read this guide below.
What is Titanium Polishing?
The process of titanium polishing uses a polishing wax and buffing wheel, which helps reduce the roughness of components. This process enhances the appearance of the titanium component.
Once the component is machined, polishing gives additional coverage and protection to it with a better finish.
Polishing is also a process that allows you to exercise high control; you can, therefore, polish complex and small components of titanium with high precision.
How to Polish Titanium with A Mirror Finish?
The process of polishing titanium with a mirror finish has the following steps:
Cleaning and Degreasing
Titanium manufacturing may leave behind residue and grease on the component, which needs to be cleaned. You can clean it with the help of degreasing agents and then rinse the component well.
Once it is appropriately soaked in water, remove and dry it properly.
Process of Sanding
On the clean and dry titanium component, smoothen the component’s surface with the help of sandpaper. The process of sanding allows the oxidized layer on the surface to be removed. It even improves the metal adhesion for better results after polishing.
Process of Buffing
Buffing gives a mirror-like, shiny appearance to the titanium component. The surface is first cleaned with an alcohol-based cleanser. Once clean, the buffing wheel and metal polish are used to polish, and water is applied to control the heat.
Finishing Stage
After the buffing process, some marks may be left behind on the component. In order to remove these marks, a paint polish is applied on a clean towel, and the surface is rubbed.
A layer of sealant is also applied and left to dry. It achieves the final polished look with a shiny appearance.
Why is Titanium Polishing Important?
There are various reasons that make titanium polishing important, and some of these are as follows:
- The physical appearance of the titanium component is very crucial, along with its performance. Polishing the components enhances the physical look and improves its aesthetics. The surface polishing ensures that the required gloss is achieved on the component.
- The layer of polish on the titanium component enhances its corrosion resistance and wear resistance and even reduces friction.
- Titanium is a poor conductor of electricity. Adding a polished finish allows current to travel through the titanium component, making it conductive.
- The life span of titanium components increases when a layer of polish is added to their surface. It offers corrosion and wear resistance, which makes it durable.
Different Types of Titanium Surface Polishing
Different types of surface polishing options are available for titanium. Some of these are as follows:
Rough Polishing
Rough polishing can be achieved with an abrasive buffing wheel. The wheel has titanium wax polish and silicon oxide and works with minimal force. It is suitable for the round-off corners of components.
Medium Polishing
Medium polishing uses abrasive when made using polish wax and aluminum oxide. Rough polishing leaves behind a dull surface, which can be brightened and smoothed using medium polishing.
Fine Polishing
Fine polishing makes the component of titanium reflective. It uses a wax polish and a soft cotton buffing wheel. It creates a fine surface, and more pressure is exerted on it.
Mirror Polishing
Mirror polishing for titanium components offers a surface finish that looks like a mirror.
The process uses polished wax and a soft buffing wheel, which is made using cotton. This type of buffing wheel is capable of reaching the areas of the component that are difficult to access.
Methods of Polishing Titanium
There are different methods that can be opted for when it comes to polishing titanium, and these are as follows:
Mechanical Polishing
Mechanical polishing is a process in which either machine force or manual force is used to remove material from the surface of titanium. This process helps reduce imperfections on the surface and allows for smoothness.
The process consists of using a combination of coarse and finer grits to remove the material from titanium and achieve a polished finish.
Электрополировка
Electropolishing uses electric current, which creates a chemical reaction leading to polishing the surface. It helps in removing the layer of titanium material and even works well with complex shapes.
The titanium part is submerged in a chemical bath, and the material is removed through anodic dissolution as the current passes.
Chemical Polishing
The process of chemical polishing uses chemical solutions that help in polishing the titanium surface. The titanium part is immersed in a chemical bath, which has acids, and these remove the imperfections of the surface.
It is suitable for the complex and internal areas which are difficult to reach using other methods. It offers a uniform surface finish and is used in medical and aerospace applications.
Plasma Polishing
Plasma polishing is a process in which plasma jets are used. These help to remove the surface material and create a neatly finished surface.
The plasma jet ionizes the titanium and removes the material in a very controlled way. It is suitable for high-precision parts.
Ultrasonic Polishing
Ultrasonic polishing applies ultrasonic vibrations to titanium surfaces. It is a very quick and easy process that leaves behind a seamless finish.
The consistent production of ultrasonic vibration works efficiently regardless of the thrust force.
Tips for Effective Titanium Polishing
Some key tips for effective titanium polishing are as follows:
- Choose the right abrasives for polishing. The coarse grits are opted for the start and then gradually move towards the finer grits.
- Try to use wet sanding so that heat can be reduced and a smooth finish is achieved.
- Do not polish the entire surface in one go. Gradually polish stage by stage to attain optimal outcomes.
- Avoid using coolants as it leads to discoloration of titanium components.
Applications of Polished Titanium Parts
Polished components of titanium cater to various industries, and these are as follows:
Aerospace Sector
Aerospace uses titanium components which are polished as they offer excellent resistance against corrosion. These components are high-strength and lightweight. Engine components of aircraft are manufactured using these parts.
Medical Sector
Сайт medical sector uses titanium polished parts in orthopedic and dental departments. These polished titanium components are used in knee, hip, and dental implants. They offer excellent resistance to chemicals and have high strength.
Automobile Sector
The automobile industry uses titanium polished components in its vehicles as they offer a high strength-to-weight ratio. These components enhance the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, causing it to incur low operating costs.
Moreover, being corrosion resistant, these components are used in exhaust systems of cars as well.
Marine Sector
Titanium is also a commonly adopted material when it comes to marine applications. The polished titanium is marine grade due to its high resistance against corrosion and strength in seawater.
The titanium components can withstand the effects of the environment and hence work well as sea equipment.
Other Surface Finishes Compatible with Titanium Parts
The titanium components, after machining, can be subjected to some other types of surface finishes, too, and these are as follows:
Анодирование
It is an electrochemical process of finishing in which the titanium component is dipped in an electrolyte, and current is passed through it. The process transforms the surface of titanium into titanium oxide, which is durable and resistant to corrosion.
Brushing
This process gives titanium components a bright and flawless surface. The marks of cutting tools and scratches can easily be removed. It enhances the surface using abrasive brushes.
Гальваническое покрытие
It is a process in which the titanium components get a layer of protection created on the surface. The metals used for adding this layer are tin, nickel, and gold. It improves the corrosion and wear resistance.
Порошковое покрытие
Powder coating is a process of application of dry powder to titanium components. It enhances the aesthetic finish of titanium components.
Заключение
Titanium polishing enhances the surface of the titanium components in a very commendable way.
If you want to have the titanium components polished for various applications, you can contact us at DEK. We offer different polishing methods and processes at affordable prices and excellent finishing.
Вопросы и ответы
Can you polish old titanium parts?
Yes, polishing an old titanium part would make it look as good as new.
What is the best buffing compound for titanium?
Green rogue is the best buffing compound for titanium.
How do I choose a buffing wheel for titanium polishing?
When choosing the buffing wheel, look at the ply– the higher the ply, the wider and thicker the buffing wheel will be.
What type of sandpaper works on titanium?
Sandpaper, which is made of silicon carbide of aluminum oxide, is the best for titanium.
What are the common titanium polishing tools and equipment?
The tools and equipment used in titanium polishing are polishing pads, abrasive components for polishing, buffing and cotton polishing wheels, brushes, and sisal.
