Metals: Precision processing and mirror finishing

This page introduces the metal polishing service performed at TDC.

For more information about the polishing process performed by TDC, please refer to the “Polishing Service” page.

TDC’s metal polishing process

TDC excels in the polishing of all types of metals through the development of its own technology and the polishing techniques it has cultivated over the years.

We can handle a wide range of metal polishing processes, from polishing for precision parts and molds that require high precision, to mirror polishing of metal surfaces.

For a detailed explanation of TDC’s polishing process, please refer to the “Polishing Service” page.

Features of TDC’s metal polishing process

TDC’s metal polishing process has the following strengths and features.

• High-precision polishing technology
  TDC’s precision polishing technology achieves ultra-high precision metal precision processing at the micron and nano levels by controlling the amount of removal.
  Compared to machining methods such as cutting and grinding, it is possible to handle any shape without placing any load on the object.

• Quick delivery and express services
  By owning more than 100 polishing machines, we are able to achieve quick delivery even for large lots and complex processing. If you are in a hurry, we will be happy to consult with you on an “express response” basis.

• Please feel free to contact us even for small lots.
  We can handle requests for small lots of as little as one piece, as well as the production of prototypes.
  

• We have more than 100 processing machines.
  TDC owns more than 100 lapping and polishing machines, surface grinders, and other polishing equipment. We also have a wide range of machining centers, milling machines, and other types of processing equipment, so we can handle any type of processing.
  
  
• About half of the polishing equipment is manufactured in-house.
  Of the more than 100 pieces of polishing equipment, about half are manufactured in-house, enabling us to achieve “high quality” manufacturing at “low cost.

Metal materials that can be polished

These are typical metals that can be polished by TDC.

• Steel materials
• Cemented Carbide
• Stainless Steel
• Copper
• Titanium
• Aluminum
• Molybdenum
• Tungsten
• Nickel
• Tantalum
• Others

In addition to the above, we also offer polishing services for all kinds of materials, so please do not hesitate to contact us.

Examples of TDC’s metal polishing process

The following are five examples of typical metal polishing processes at TDC.

Example 1 : Precision stage/table polishing

For precision stages and tables used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment and precision measuring machines, which require the ultimate in precision, we are able to achieve the ultimate in flatness, parallelism, and thickness tolerance.

• Material：SUS304
• Size：φ300ｘt30
• Processing：Flatness 0.0005mm, parallelism 0.001mm, thickness tolerance ±0.001mm

Example 2 : Internal mirror surface processing of pipe mold

Depending on the specifications, fine scratches and cloudiness, which were previously acceptable, are often rejected in “mold” processing.

For example, in the case of polishing a die for roller manufacturing that is incorporated in printing equipment, a die with a length of 300 mm and an inner diameter of about φ20 mm can be finished to a surface roughness of Ra1 nm or less while controlling the inner diameter dimensions and coaxially on a micro-order basis.

Example 3 : Carbide Ultra-Precision Cube

Product Description

15 mm square cemented carbide cube was produced by lapping and polishing. Normally, when cutting or grinding is used, burrs and chips are produced. In addition, many people imagine that grinding will cause dullness. However, TDC is able to create sharp edges on such small objects and finish all six surfaces to a smooth surface without flaws. With a dimensional tolerance of ±0.001mm, TDC can be used for mass production with good repeatability.

Accuracy

Dimensional tolerance ±0.001 (mm)

Example 4 : Cylindrical mirror processing of pure titanium

Product Description

1kg weight master of pure titanium is polished to ±0.001 g. Weight and volume can be adjusted by lapping and polishing while controlling the amount of removal.

Accuracy

Weight master of 1 kg ±0.001g

Example 5 : Pure copper rolls with mirror-finished inner and outer diameters

Product Description

TDC specializes in mirror finishing of inner and outer diameters as well as both ends of pure copper, and is capable of producing surface roughness equivalent to that of the outer diameter. We can also finish very soft materials such as pure copper with high precision using our unique know-how.

Accuracy

Outer diameter surface roughness: Ra1nm or less Inner diameter surface roughness: Ra1nm or less