The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Copper washer surface smoothening and removal of oxidation marks

August 22, 2008

We are looking for a solution to the following situation requiring polishing on copper washers and acheiving long term prevention of oxidation :-


Material : Copper Tube (Grade : Oxygen Free High Conductivity Copper 99.99% pure)
Dimensions : OD : 2.50mm ; Wall thickness : 0.3mm ; Length : 5.5mm.
Process Requirement : we would like to achieve the following results :-
1....to remove the cutting-burs (very few) on the edges.
2....To remove the splinters/burs (very few) from inside the tubes.
3....To remove oxidation / stain marks from the surface
4....To achieve smooth & long-lasting shining surface preventing re-occurrence of surface oxidation.
Important ! the copper tubes are intended to be used in implantable Medical devices, hence only suitable chemicals / processes should be used.

We request your advice on the following :-

A.....Ideal cleansing, deburring & polishing equipment.
B.....Suitable cleansing / polishing agents matching the above technology.

Best wishes,
Sunil

Sunil Jain
employee - Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Ed. note: Sorry, this RFQ is old & outdated, so contact info is no longer available. However, if you feel that something technical should be said in reply, please post it; no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?)

---

Because your part are very thin, I think your best application is to use a mass finishing vibratory machine system using a treated dry organic polishing media. There is still some possibility of media getting stuck in the I.D.; however, that problem can be reduced by making sure it is very dry and a fine size. The longer you leave it in, the finer the smoothness and polish, but this might take 24 hrs. at a reduced amplitude.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
August 25, 2008