Evaluation of finishing and polishing techniques on surface roughness of chromium-cobalt castings

The effect of finishing and polishing techniques on surface roughness of a chromium-cobalt alloy was evaluated by means of a stylus profile instrumentation and scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron micrographs, surface profile tracings, surface roughness recordings, and statistical analysis of data support the finding that the best surface finish is obtained when sandblasting, hard stone, medium abrasive disk, second sandblasting, electropolishing, hard rubber point, hard felt disk with pumice slurry, and felt disk and soft brush with polishing paste are used progressively. The results of this study indicate that the finishing procedure should be carried out in a logical, systematic sequence of steps.