Superfinishing

This is a polishing process that provides a unique and consistent finish on the OD of a part. It should be considered for applications requiring an improved surface finish and a good bearing surface.

Most engineers use Ra values to specify surface finish. Val-Kro has the ability to provide properties that are much more sensitive to surface needs. These unique finishes create better bearing areas and plateau like surfaces. The better bearing area and plateau surface improves the application's break-in and ultimately reduces material losses. Oil retaining values can also be better controlled. Val-Kro has successfully applied this application where failures and warranty issues were a customers primary concern.

Measurement Terminology

• RA — Roughness average
• RT — The vertical height between the highest and lowest points of the profile within the evaluation length.
• RP — Height of the highest point above the mean line within the sampling area.
• RPK — Describes the height of the peaks above the main bearing surface. A low RPK would indicate a desired surface without aggressive peaks to penetrate the supporting oil film. (break in conditions!)
• RK — The depth of the roughness core profile, the "run" surface.
• RVK — The depth of the valleys beneath the main bearing surface. The lowest part of the roughness that has function of retaining lubrication.

Val-Kro has a strong background in metal to metal and metal to polymer interaction and has the expertise to improve mating surfaces resulting in reduced wear and increased product durability.