Process

The Process is a cost-effective alternative to an engineered machined surface in applications where surface finish, increased wear and friction reduction are important considerations. The Process is an isotropic surface finishing process that produces a non-linear, low Ra that improves wear properties and reduces friction.  It is a chemical - mechanical process that sequentially removes the "peaks" of a ground, cut or honed finish while leaving the "valleys" unaffected. The end result is a dramatically improved surface finish with insignificant dimensional change of the part. The increase in component life is a result of a flatter contact surface, which distributes the loads over a larger area and inhibits the formation of stress risers.  REM ISF® is a 2 stage process that finishes with a “burnish” that makes the part come out looking shiny, almost as if it was chrome-plated.

ISF® Isotropic Superfinish Process

Original Surface
Machine ground or honed original surface with asperities ("peaks")

During the ISF® Process the active chemistry used in the refinement stage reacts with the metal parts being finished in the vibratory finishing machine to produce a stable, soft conversion coating. This coating is typically black in color.

Conversion Coating Formation
Conversion Coating Formation

Conversion Coating removal by media
Conversion Coating removal by media

The vibratory finishing machine and non-abrasive media produce a rubbing motion on the sur­face of the metal parts. This rubbing motion removes the Conversion Coating from the peaks but not from the valleys of the metal surfaces. This exposes the peaks of the metal surfaces to a second reaction re-forming the complete Conversion Coating. The process of Conversion Coat­ing re-formation and removal is continued through many successive cycles. This process is continued until the metal parts are refined to the required surface finish quality.

Conversion Coating re-forms
Conversion Coating re-forms

Process continues generating a flat surface
Process continues generating a flat surface

Once the required surface finish quality is achieved, the active chemistry from the refinement stage of the ISF® Process is drained away and a neutral burnishing soap is introduced into the mass-finishing machine. The burnish removes all remaining Conversion Coating from the surface of the parts, produces a spectacular bright appearance and a mild rust resistant surface. The parts are ready for unloading and the ISF® Process is complete.

Smooth, flat, bright surface when complete
Smooth, flat, bright surface when the ISF Process is complete