Q.    Does the ISF® Process affect part hardness?

A.    No. The ISF Process is water based and carried out at room temperature. Tempering the gears is not possible. After ISF, nital etch inspection is not necessary.  The ISF Process has been tested and proven effective in both military and industrial applications.

Q.    Does the ISF Process cause hydrogen embrittlement?

A.    The ISF Process produces a slightly oxidizing environment in the vibratory equipment and hydrogen is not generated. ISF has been repeatedly tested and proven to be free from causing hydrogen embrittlement and intragranular attack. The process is metallurgically safe.

Q.    Does the ISF Process have any detrimental effect on the geometry of the part?

A.    No. The ISF Process has been certified for use on DIN 2 (AGMA Q 13) quality gears. Material refined from the surfaces of gear flanks is uniform in profile and from tooth to tooth. Depth of material removed by the ISF Process is typically 0.0001inches.

Q.    Are there safety or environmental concerns with the chemicals used in the ISF Process?

A.    The chemicals are non-toxic and non-hazardous and have been used in industrial settings for over 15 years.

Q.    Are there special waste treatment considerations?

A.    No. Very little waste is produced by the ISF Process. The waste produced is considered non-hazardous in most applications, though Federal, State and local regulations vary and should be reviewed prior to use.

Q.    How long has this process been around and is it patented?

A.    REM Chemicals pioneered chemically accelerated vibratory finishing in 1983 and then improved it in 1989 by introducing the non-abrasive processing technique.  REM has many products and processes patented on a worldwide basis.