In the world of surface finishing, metal finishing solutions and compounds play a vital role in ensuring a successful and efficient process. These products do more than just enhance surface quality; they actively contribute to the longevity of your equipment, the durability of your media, and the overall effectiveness of your finishing operations. So, how do you choose the right compound for your process? Let’s break it down.
Why Are Metal Finishing Solutions & Compounds Important?
Finishing compounds perform several critical functions:
- Suspension and flushing: they suspend dirt, oils, and media residues, flushing them from the system to keep your process stable.
- Cleanliness: by keeping the components and media clean, compounds maintain consistent performance throughout the cycle.
- Corrosion Inhibition: some compounds prevent corrosion, ensuring the long-term integrity of metal components.
- Brightening and polishing: achieve a polished, professional finish on various materials.
- Heat treatment scale removal: metal finishing solutions efficiently remove scale post-heat treatment.
- Media longevity: acting as a lubricant, compounds extend the life of your finishing media.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Finishing Compound
To select the right metal finishing solutions and compounds, consider these three key factors:
1. Process Requirements
Every finishing process has unique demands, such as:
- Corrosion protection: for parts requiring rust prevention, choose a compound with corrosion inhibitors.
- Flat or sticky parts: use a separating compound to prevent flat parts from sticking to each other during the process.
- Heavy machine marks or burrs: accelerate removal with ActOn’s specially formulated powder compounds.
2. Desired Finish
Your finishing goals determine the type of compound you’ll need:
- Descaling: remove heat treatment scale with a high-performance cleaning compound.
- Cleaning and degreasing: eliminate oils and residues effectively.
- Polishing and burnishing: choose compounds designed to bring out a bright, reflective surface.
- Brightening: achieve a uniform, enhanced appearance on your components.
3. Component Material
ActOn compounds are tailored to different material types:
- Ferrous components: opt for compounds formulated for steel and iron to ensure proper cleaning and protection.
- Non-ferrous components: specialised compounds are available for aluminum, brass, copper, and other non-ferrous materials to prevent staining and ensure a smooth finish
Types of Finishing Compounds & Metal Finishing Solutions
1. Liquid Compounds
Liquid compounds are versatile and easy to dose, making them ideal for a variety of applications. They are perfect for:
- Cleaning and descaling
- Corrosion protection
- Polishing and brightening
Explore our range of liquid finishing compounds.
2. Powders and Pastes
Powders and pastes offer robust cleaning power and are particularly useful for:
- Removing heavy machine marks
- Accelerating burr removal
- Specialised polishing
Learn more about powders and pastes here.
Tips for Optimising Your Process
- Trial before purchase: every process is unique — test ActOn compounds with a free trial to ensure they meet your specific needs.
- Work with experts: our technical team can recommend the best compound based on your process, material, and desired finish.
- Monitor dosing: use the correct amount of compound and water to achieve optimal performance and prevent waste.
- Pair with the right media: combine your compound with suitable media for maximum efficiency and superior results.
Why Choose ActOn Finishing Compounds?
- Proven performance: our compounds are developed using 6 decades of expertise in surface finishing.
- Tailored solutions: we offer specialised formulations for diverse applications and materials.
- Eco-friendly options: environmentally conscious compounds are available for sustainable finishing.
- Free technical advice: get expert guidance to ensure the best results for your process.
- Cost efficiency: ActOn compounds improve process consistency and reduce media wear, saving you money in the long run.