Before

3D-printed pediatric hip plates before polishing, showing rough surface and visible print lines
Surface metrology of pediatric hip plate showing as-printed surface finish with rough texture and high Ra value

After

Pediatric hip plates after multi-step polishing, showing smooth, high-gloss surface finish
Surface metrology of pediatric hip plate after superpolishing process, illustrating significantly reduced surface roughness and a near-mirror finish.

Objective

Bel Air Finishing was tasked with developing a multi-step polishing process for 3D-printed pediatric hip plates made from stainless steel and Inconel. The goal was to achieve a high-luster, super-polished finish that meets stringent medical standards without altering the dimensional integrity of the parts.

IndustryAdditive Manufacturing
Part DescriptionPediatric Hip Plates
Fabrication Method 3D, Broached, Ground
MaterialStainless Steel/Inconel
Process TechnologyPolishing, Post-Processing, Superpolish/Ultrapolish
Equipment TypeCentrifugal Barrel Finisher/Harperizer, Centrifugal Disc Finisher, Blasting

Solution

Bel Air employed a three-stage polishing process combining centrifugal barrel finishing, centrifugal disc finishing, and blasting.

  1. Initial Smoothing: The process began with centrifugal barrel finishing to remove surface irregularities and build lines, creating a uniform baseline finish across each hip plate.
  2. Intermediate Polishing: Centrifugal disc finishing was applied to refine the surface further, enhancing smoothness and preparing the parts for the final polishing stage.
  3. Superpolish: The final stage involved controlled blasting using micro-abrasive media to achieve a mirror-like, super-polished finish without compromising the intricate contours of the hip plates.

The optimized process delivered a consistent, high-gloss finish that met the aesthetic and functional specifications for medical implants, reducing manual labor while maintaining precision across each unit.

If you are unsure what equipment and media you require to achieve your desired surface finish, then send us your part, and we will evaluate it and provide you with a metrology report.