Mirror grinding vs. mirror polishing

The so-called 'mirror' refers to the synonym for obtaining very good roughness after mechanical grinding and processing. It is called because it has a clear metal surface that reflects the object like a mirror.

 

• Why distinguish between the two?
• Why distinguish between mirror polishing and lens grinding?
• Anyway, isn't it enough to achieve the desired surface roughness in the end?

 

Although both are aimed at the surface condition of the workpiece, they actually have completely different purposes and procedures in actual processing conditions. If the customer's needs are not confirmed, misunderstandings can easily arise during the communication process. Even turning into white work in the end.

 

Example: Received an order from a fruit company to grind aluminum parts, requiring Ra to be below 0.04um.

May I ask if this is mirror polishing or mirror polishing?

 

 

From the above example, it can be seen that there are too few known conditions, so it is actually impossible to make a judgment. What specific requirements should we first confirm? We can only know which direction to go.

Judging whether it is grinding or polishing is to let us know what processing method is most efficient and in line with the customer's usage purpose, and to evaluate which method has the lowest cost.

 

How to distinguish?

Divided by the focus of contemplation:

• ★ Mirror polishing: It is necessary to consider both surface roughness and dimensional accuracy, and processing speed is not a priority
• ★ Mirror polishing: It is necessary to consider both surface roughness and processing speed, and dimensional accuracy is not a priority

 

 

 

According to the classification of ground workpieces:

• Mirror polishing mostly belongs to workpieces such as molds and mold cores that require friction and mutual action.
• Mirror polishing mostly belongs to exterior parts, with the purpose of looking good!
• Common workpieces for mirror polishing include optical molds, light guide plate molds, semiconductor workpieces, spindles, steel, papermaking, and printing guide wheels.
• Common workpieces for mirror polishing include exterior parts, phone cases, golf ball heads, watch cases, watch straps, bathroom hardware, and so on.

 

 

What do I need to confirm with the customer?

 

Since we know the key points and differences in workpiece function between mirror polishing and mirror grinding. This way, we can know what key conditions need to be confirmed with the customer.

 

In addition to the requirement for surface roughness, we categorize the conditions that should be known into three parts based on principles: precision, production pace, equipment

 

• ★ Accuracy: High precision is required, and it is more likely to fall within the scope of mirror polishing. If the tolerance range is large and glossiness is required, it may be mirror polishing.
• Related question: Dimensional tolerance requirements? What is the tolerance range before grinding? Flatness and true degree requirements? Glossiness?
• ★ Production cycle: Mass production models are more likely to fall into the category of mirror polishing.
• Related question: What is the daily output or hourly output? The difference of 2000 per day, two or an hour, is significant
• ★ Equipment: Precision grinding machines are mostly used for grinding operations that require precision, and are more likely to fall into the category of mirror polishing. If it is a manual or automated polishing machine, it is more likely to fall into the category of mirror polishing.

 

 

Related question:

What brand of grinding equipment is used? Is it a dedicated machine or CNC grinder?

 

In fact, in certain situations and requirements, these two methods are not mutually exclusive, and there is still the possibility of combining them, and even designing a breakthrough and high-efficiency process.

 

Just distinguishing between polishing and grinding processes based on current production conditions can better evaluate the overall cost. Otherwise, if you only focus on the surface roughness and forget about other related conditions, and the final delivery does not meet the requirements, it will become a waste of time!

 

Regardless, it is important to have a thorough understanding of customer needs, assess process differences and costs, and then design the most suitable process.

So, if you receive orders related to mirrors, you can try to make judgments based on the above principles, which may indirectly improve efficiency and profitability.