Metal Finishing Applications | Buffing and Polishing

For every type of metal application there is a buffing and metal finishing process to make that product perform better. From truck and automotive parts to aerospace jet turbine blades the applications are endless. That's why Schaffner Manufacturing makes custom buffing compounds and buff wheels for finishing and buffing of different metals and different end products. Browse through our gallery below to discover the different finishing requirements for different applications.

		Automotive & Truck: The automotive industry is facing fierce competition that adds cost constraints to finishing operations. The high quality/low cost requirements of the automotive industry continues to push manufacturers of finishing materials to find new strong, flexible materials to drive down the overall cost of metal finishing << More

		Motorcycles: This industry has long been moving to bigger and more elaborate bikes that often translate into more chrome components for an eye-popping appearance. The space constraints often require these parts to have tights bends and complex geometry demanding flexible buffs. << More

		Aerospace: Metal finishing in the aerospace industry is dominated by two very different applications: Jet Engine Turbine Blades and Airframe Skin Finishing. The process for Polishing Jet Engine Turbine Blades is purely functional where as Airframe Skin Finishing is both aesthetics and function. << More

		Plumbing Fixtures: There are three primary base materials used the manufacture of plumbing fixtures: Brass, Zinc and Plastic. The wide range of product designs, unique finishes and different base materials pose a unique challenge to the finishing process for plumbing fixtures. << More

		Door & Decorative Hardware: Although door knobs, levers and lock sets have been the mainstay of this industry it also includes other components such as hinges, kick plates and door knockers. These parts are most often made of brass and zinc and require specific buffing methods. << More

		Cookware: Whether the outside of the cookware is made of aluminum or stainless steel the simple round shape of most cookware is most often buffed with the fast, efficient tangential buffing methods. Although for aluminum parts care should be taken to minimize the amount of heat that can build up in tangential buffing. << More

		Aluminum: The versatility of aluminum makes it ideal to be used in several different forms that are commonly buffed. Any way the parts are made aluminum always provides high strength and light weight and is enough to handle aggressive tangential buffing when necessary. << More

		Stainless Steel: The hard structure of steel requires aggressive buffing to achieve a high luster. Because carbon steel is prone to oxidation and corrosion it is most often plated after buffing to retain the luster and bright aesthetic quality. << More

		Zinc: Because of the relatively low temperatures die cast zinc is usually formed into complex shapes often making it difficult to buff. Because of these complex geometries zinc parts are most often buffed in a Mush Buff Operation. << More

		Brass: is very common for kitchen faucets and other plumbing components. When properly processed, it can be buffed to levels that rivals that of buffed precious metals used in jewelry. Because of the active, corrosive surface exposed by buffing, brass requires plating or clear coating to protect the finish. << More

Let Schaffner Manufacturing assist you with your metal finishing applications by developing a custom buffing wheel, flap wheel or buffing compound to meet your metal finishing application requirements.