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Burnishing Finished Steel Bars

I'm doing some "hobbyist" research on "burnishing" of steel bars, grades 17-4, 300 & 400 series stainless. I kind of understand material is not removed from the bar but instead "pushed" into low spots to achieve a smoother surface. Can belting with an abrasive be considered a type of "burnishing" or are they two similar but different processes? Are "polished" or "belted" finishes sometimes sold as "burnished" finish. Any pictures will help.

THANKS,

Michael Burgwin
- Syracuse, New York, United States
2003

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Attn:Michael B.
Syracuse, New York, United States

Roller Burnishing is a cold rolling process. In roller burnishing there is no metal removal/cutting. Only the pre-machined peaks are leveled. This gives a mirror finish on the surface of the shaft.

Abrasive belt polishing is still a metal removal process. Roller burnishing and abrasive belt polishing are entirely different processes. Roller burnishing is a quick process when compared with abrasive belt polishing.

Regrds,

N. SRINIVASAN
- Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, INDIA
2006