Polishing

Introduction

Polishing is the process of creating a smooth and shiny surface, either through physical rubbing of the part or by chemical interference. The process produces a surface with significant specular reflection, but in some materials is able to reduce diffuse reflection.
Polishing can improve the appearance of new or used metal parts, including components in cars and other vehicles, handrails, cookware, kitchenware, and architectural metal. Pipes may also require buffing, a kind of polishing, to prevent corrosion and buildup of bacteria or mold. Buffing is also used to manufacture light reflectors.

Material	Color	Applications	Types
Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel, Steel	n/a	Lenses, jewelry, sealing parts	Mechanical polishing, chemical polishing

Design Considerations

Except from PC/PMMA, the effect of polishing on plastics is negligible. Nylon /POM materials cannot be polished.
Harder metals result in a better polishing effect, but have a higher cost.
Precision requirements cannot be too high when using polishing. Parts with very complicated feature structures are not suitable for the process.