ActOn Case Studies

Cleaning and Polishing Automotive Crankshafts With Chemcut Finishing Process

In the automotive industry, achieving a smooth, polished, and defect-free finish on critical engine components is essential for both performance and longevity. A leading global manufacturer and supplier of automotive products approached ActOn Finishing to upgrade their existing system for cleaning and polishing automotive crankshafts. Their current process was inefficient and inconsistent, failing to meet the required surface finish standards.

At ActOn Finishing, we specialise in providing innovative surface finishing solutions, and our Chemcut Finishing Process was the perfect fit for this challenge. This rapid metal cut-down and leveling process ensures a super-smooth surface, ready for polishing and electroplating.

Project Background

The client needed a more effective solution to remove grinding, linishing, and machining marks from steel and hardened steel crankshafts. Their existing system lacked repeatability and efficiency, leading to:

  • Inconsistent surface finishes
  • Lengthy processing times
  • Inefficient material removal
  • High costs due to rework and quality issues

To address these challenges, ActOn Finishing conducted a free trial using our Chemcut Finishing Process, aiming to streamline their finishing operations while maintaining dimensional integrity.

What We Did?

To determine the best finishing method, we inspected the initial surface condition of the crankshafts and implemented a two-stage vibratory finishing process using our Chemcut compound and polishing media:

Step 1: Chemcut Finishing Process

  • The crankshaft was processed in a vibratory trough finishing machine for 60 minutes.
  • We used non-abrasive polishing media and ActOn’s Chemcut compound to remove surface imperfections.
  • The vibratory trough machine was ideal for handling the long and irregular shape of the crankshaft.

Step 2: Polishing

  • The component was then polished in the same trough machine for another 60 minutes.
  • A specialised polishing compound and media, approved by major automotive manufacturers, was used to achieve a mirror-like finish.

By optimising these steps, we successfully eliminated machining marks and improved the surface finish, ensuring a high-quality, polished crankshaft.

Technology Used – The Chemcut Installation

Our Chemcut Finishing Installation includes:

  • A dedicated Chemcut solution tank to hold the finishing compound
  • A compound dosing pump capable of dosing 12–32 litres per hour
  • A vibratory trough finishing machine, selected for its ability to process long components efficiently

This setup allowed for controlled chemical action, precise media movement, and consistent finishing results.

Results

  • Achieved a smooth, polished surface meeting customer specifications
  • Reduced the total finishing time to just 2 hours per batch
  • Provided a more efficient and repeatable process using vibratory finishing
  • Maintained the dimensional integrity of the crankshaft

By implementing ActOn’s Chemcut Finishing Process, the client upgraded their system, increased efficiency, and achieved superior finishing results—all while ensuring cost-effectiveness and consistency in their production line.

Ready to revolutionise your finishing process? Explore our Finishing Solutions for the Automotive Industry today and discover how it can elevate your production line. For more information contact us to discuss your options.

Before / After

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