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Metal finish similar to grinding but without using a grinding machine for metal plates

I have a problem with finishing metal plates, I require finish similar to the one which is achieved by grinding the metal (steel). But without using grinding media (or grinding machines). I have already tried on a grinding machine, but the problem I faced with those grinding machines is that my metal plates got bend. These metal plates are hardened and its an alloy steel. Also the grinding is not cost effective. So I am looking for a solution for my problem, kindly advise me few process where I can give finish (Bright Polish Finish or Mirror Finish)to the metal plates similar to grinding, without distorting the plates.

Regards,

Dhiman Chitalia
Consumer , Mfgr - Mumbai, India
2006

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First of three simultaneous responses --

Distortion comes from heat. Look for a mold polisher in your area. Maybe he can help but it's not going to be cheap as this is a labor intensive job.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2006

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Second of three simultaneous responses --

If your plate bent during grinding, you used the wrong wheel or excessive pressure or no / wrong / inadequate coolant or the plate was too thin to be ground or the plate was terribly highly stressed and removing a thin layer of the surface relieved the stress on that side.

Did you anneal (stress relieve) these plates after hardening?

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2006

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Third of three simultaneous responses --

How big are the parts LWH? Sounds like they are over 12"and thin. If that is the case, you need to keep the parts stationary and rigid. Meaning you don't have too many options. Probably need to grind them, but maybe a wide belt system could achieve results. What type of machine are you using?

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2006

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First of two simultaneous responses --

Have you tried etching?

Ed Hernandez
- Los Angeles, California, USA
2006

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Second of two simultaneous responses -- 2006

Howdy!
Just starting a Metal Art Studio & have three questions. 1. The metal (thin metal 304SS- .107 & .093 thick) I'm working with, it will bow (only on weld spots) when I weld small tacks on back of the art piece, what can I do to reduce the problem. 2. I am sanding the art pieces with a 6"X 48" belt sander to get the flat 12" X 8" Stainless Steel straight. That also leaves me with indentions/groves on the part that hangs over the 6"X48" sander when I run the piece over it to smooth out the bows, what other alternatives tools & methods can I use? 3. Can you give me a specific high speed hand held rotary tool name, sanding grits & styles to make small 1" machine swirls on my flat 12" X 8" 304 SS?

Sincerely,

Johnny O Aguilar
metal art studio - Houston, Texas, US

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This answer is for John's last question, which is related to the first question.
Your indentation problem might be solve with either trying a non-woven belt or using a wider belts system with a soft backing.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2006