There are 7 functions of compounds mentioned below including cleaning of work pieces and abrasive media while finishing.
Functions of compounds
Functions
Effects
Water Quality Adjustment
Softens water so as to make compound perform its function efficiently
Lubrication
Contributes to luster finish and smoothing as well as enhancement of finishing efficiency by proper lubricity
Cleaning
Maintains the surface of work pieces and abrasive media by cleaning.
Foaming
High density foams perform as shock absorbing agents which reduces damages to work pieces as well as contributing to degree of luster. High density foams also contribute to noise reduction by absorbing ear-piercing noise generated by impingement of abrasive media.
Rust inhibiting
Used to prevent work pieces from getting rusted during and immediately after finishing process as surfaces of work pieces rust easily in rough and medium finishing process.
Degreasing
Used to decompose residual grease that still remains on a work pieces from the process before finishing. Has help from alkali ingredients included in compounds.
Enhancement of stock removal
Abrasive grits are an ingredient of some compounds in order to enhance finishing aggressiveness in rough and medium finishing process. However, enhanced rinsing performance is required as the wear ratio of abrasive media is increased.
Form of Compounds
Liquid
Easy to measure and available for automatic measurement even when finishing machines and their secondary equipment is automated or if their layouts have changed.
Powder
Most powder compounds are highly durable. However, as they are highly absorbent, moisture prevention measure is necessary when storing the compound long term.
Application of Compounds
Rough finishing
As sludge, generated by the aggressive abrasive media which wears fast, accumulates in the barrel and on the surface of work pieces, it is necessary to use compound that has superior rinsing and rust inhibiting performance.
Luster finishing
As the wear particles generated from work pieces and abrasive media are fine and they are easy to attach to the surface of work pieces, it is necessary to use compound that has superior cleaning performance.
Compound Selection Criteria
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Finishing purposes
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Material of work pieces (Chemical property)
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Shape of work pieces (whether they have holes and grooves or not)
