Generally, forgings and castings tend to have a rough surface finish and a dull appearance. Manual finishing is time consuming and does not deliver consistent results.
ActOn engineers recommend using vibratory finishing or high energy finishing machines to achieve a smooth surface and a polished finish. Over the years, we have developed and optimised processes on various forgings and castings with different finishing specifications, such as the removal of surface defects and flash lines or achieving a surface finish of Ra 0.03 μm.
The finish has been achieved by carrying out a two-stage process in ActOn's high energy finishing machine. To remove the machining lines the part was processed in Aluminium Oxide and compound. This media was used as it has the properties which allow to deburr parts made from hard metals and sintered carbide. The final stage was carried out using
pre-treated agro media which is great for producing a bright finish.
Surface finishing for forged and cast components is often required to address:
Without a controlled finishing process, these issues can lead to:
Mass finishing processes solve these challenges by delivering uniform surface refinement across all parts, regardless of complexity.
Modern finishing systems are capable of achieving highly refined surface finishes, including low Ra values where required. As referenced on the page, processes can be optimised to achieve finishes as fine as Ra 0.03 μm depending on the component and specification.
This level of control is achieved through:
By combining these variables, manufacturers can achieve both functional and cosmetic finishes suitable for demanding industries such as automotive, aerospace and general engineering.
Every forging or casting presents different finishing requirements. That is why process development is a critical part of achieving the desired result.
ActOn Finishing works closely with manufacturers to:
This ensures that the final solution is not only effective but also cost-efficient and scalable for production.
Mass finishing processes are widely adopted because they provide:
For manufacturers looking to improve efficiency and product quality, transitioning to automated finishing processes is a key step forward.
The best process depends on the material, geometry and required surface finish. Vibratory finishing and high energy finishing are commonly used to achieve consistent, repeatable results at scale.
Yes. ActOn Finishing supplies a full range of vibratory machines, disc finishing systems, high energy finishing machines, drag finishing machines, dry electroplating technology, shot blasting cabinets and ultrasonic cleaning tanks designed specifically for processing forgings and castings.
Yes. ActOn provides free process trials to test and validate the most effective finishing solution for your specific components and requirements.
Yes. ActOn can analyse your current process and recommend improvements to achieve better surface finish, consistency and production efficiency.
You can Contact ActOn Finishing directly to discuss your requirements and receive a tailored recommendation and quotation for your finishing process.
Request a Free Trial: sales@acton-finishing.co.uk
Call: +44 (0) 24 7646 6914





