The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Jewelry Polishing

I have two queries on jewelry polishing. 1. In a magnetic polisher what grade of stainless pins are used - 304, 316 etc. Do they need to be inherently magnetic or is the magnetism induced by the polisher? 2. In vibratory polishing of jewelry I have been recommended stainless steel 420 but on using these I have found that the media is catching rust. Is this normal or should SS 420 be rust resistant. I had earlier used SS 304 - this was rust resistant. Any information on the above two points would be really helpful. Thanks. Achal.

Achal Bindra Ban
- New Delhi, India.
2000

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Archal All stainless steel used in the making of media for magnetic systems starts out as drawn stainless steel wire. During this drawing process, the molecular structure gets re-arranged somewhat and therefore becomes magnetic. That means that almost all grades of stainless can be used to make media. The 300 series is the most common. I am not sure about the 400 series in regards to oxidation, but even the 300 series produces a good amount of dark carbon like residue during the processing of jewelry.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2000