Elevate the aesthetics and functionality of your parts. From mechanical mirror polishing for metals to vapor polishing for optically clear plastics, we achieve sub-micron surface roughness.
Polishing involves using abrasives, chemicals, or vapor to smooth a part's surface. It removes machining marks, creates a highly reflective or optically clear finish, and significantly reduces surface roughness (Ra) for critical engineering applications.
Transforms dull or heavily machined surfaces into stunning, highly reflective mirror finishes, perfect for luxury goods and consumer products.
Essential for transparent plastics like PMMA (Acrylic) and PC. Vapor polishing restores complete transparency for lenses and light guides.
Removes micro-crevices where bacteria can hide. Highly polished stainless steel is a strict requirement for food-grade and medical devices.
Sub-micron surface roughness significantly reduces friction and wear between dynamic moving components in mechanical assemblies.
We adhere to stringent international finishing standards, ensuring your parts meet the exact optical and functional requirements specified in your engineering drawings.
| Finish Level | Ra Value (μm) | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth Machined | 0.8 - 1.6 | Standard CNC parts |
| Brush / Satin (#4) | 0.4 - 0.8 | Appliances, Enclosures |
| High Gloss | 0.1 - 0.2 | Medical, Decorative |
| Mirror Polish (#8) | ≤ 0.05 | Reflectors, Luxury |
| SPI Grade | Process | Result |
|---|---|---|
| SPI A-1 | Grade #3 Diamond | Super High Glossy / Lens |
| SPI A-2 | Grade #6 Diamond | High Glossy |
| SPI B-1 | 600 Grit Paper | Medium Glossy |
| Vapor Polish | Chemical Solvent | 100% Optically Clear |
Projects involving mirror polishing, visible aluminum surfaces, chrome preparation, and cosmetic inspection for premium parts.
A full visible 6061 aluminum component set combining CNC machining, black baking paint, Ferrari red automotive paint, mirror polishing, and chrome plating.
A 4+ year supply relationship built on cosmetic control for thin long curved speaker parts, bare 7075 and 5074 deliveries, and scratch-free visible surfaces.
Unlike coating processes, polishing removes material. It is critical to account for this during the DFM phase, especially for precision machined components.
Mechanical polishing involves abrasive buffing, which inherently removes a thin layer of material. We recommend leaving extra stock on features that require high-gloss polishing.
Hand and mechanical polishing rely on physical access to the surface. Certain complex geometries are difficult or impossible to polish perfectly.
Common questions regarding our finishing processes for machined and molded components.
Vapor polishing works exceptionally well on Polycarbonate (PC), Polysulfone (PSU), and Ultem (PEI). It melts the surface slightly using a chemical vapor, removing CNC marks and turning opaque machined plastics instantly into glass-like, optically clear parts.
Stainless steel (304/316) and Aluminum (6061) are excellent candidates for high-gloss and mirror finishes. Brass and Copper also polish beautifully, though they often require a clear protective coat afterward to prevent natural tarnishing/oxidation.
Standard brushing or light polishing adds about 1-2 days to machining orders. High-grade mirror polishing (SPI A-1 or Metal #8) is a labor-intensive manual process that may add 3-5 days depending on part complexity and volume.
Upload your 3D CAD files today. Specify your required Ra value or SPI finish grade, and our engineers will provide a comprehensive DFM review and pricing within 24 hours.