The term mirror polishing means the process implemented to make sure that the treated surfaces shine of reflected light.

This metalworking process is a preparatory operation to other kind of treatments such as chromium plating, gilding, silvering, but in the case of stainless steel it can be a final solution.

In the real world there are not perfectly smooth surface. They all have a more or less high degree of surface roughness due to microscopic roughness of metal, which disperse the light rays in multiple directions.

The aim of the polishing process is precisely to shape these microscopic irregularities in order to make the treated surface as planar as possible, so that the reflection of light became more uniform, giving to the surface the typical shiny appearance.

This result is achieved by controlled abrasion of the surface, using very fine-grain abrasives that effectively reduce the magnitude of the surface roughness.

The manufacturing process consists of three phases:

1. Deburring: it’s the first stage of processing. In this phase the components are smoothed in order to eliminate any burrs resulting from cutting, shearing, welding, or defects products from molding. In this way the pieces are prepared for the next stages of processing;
2. Grinding: it’s the intermediate stage. The components are treated with various abrasive products such as belts of various grits, abrasive pastes, rope disks. After this treatment the pieces are ready to face other types of processing, such as satin finishing and mirror polishing;
3. Polishing: it’s the final stage. Thanks to this operation the signs of the previous operations are eliminated and the pieces are mirror polished. So processed pieces gain the typical shiny aspect;

Mirror polishing presents several advantages. First of all,  it removes any machining burrs defects that a finished product must not show.

But the mirror polishing of metal surfaces is not only usefull for aesthetic purposes, but also for hygienic ones. In fact, this processing defends metals from the attack of chemical agents that could damage it and improves the capability of the material to drain fluids or powders.

Gobbi Valeriano & C. S.n.c. employs staff with great experience and professionalism to perform special finishing even on complex surfaces. The processing can be performed both on stationary machines or with the aid of manual equipment, ensuring a final result of excellent quality. Each process is tailored to meet the specific needs of our customers and to provide a high quality product ready for galvanizing or painting treatments.

When the processing is done, the components are sent to our quality control department, that analyze each piece from the polishing department, in order to provide a finished product that meets all the customer’s requirements.