Before
After
Objective
Develop a repeatable, automated polishing process to replace manual hand-polishing of CNC-machined Radel removable sheaths. The goal was to improve surface appearance and consistency while reducing labor time and preserving dimensional accuracy.
| Industry | Aerospace/Defense, Machine Shop Applications, Electronic & Energy Components |
| Part Description | Radel Plastic Removable Sheath |
| Fabrication Method | CNC Machined, Swiss Screw Machined |
| Material | Plastics–Machined |
| Process Technology | Burnish, Superpolish/Ultrapolish |
| Equipment Type | Burnisher, Centrifugal Barrel Finisher/Harperizer, Centrifugal Disc Finisher |
Solution
Bel Air evaluated multiple high-energy finishing methods to eliminate manual polishing while maintaining the tight dimensional tolerances of the machined Radel components. A controlled polishing cycle was developed using non-abrasive burnishing media in a Centrifugal Barrel Finisher/Harperizer to smooth machining marks and improve surface gloss without removing critical material.
The resulting process produced a uniform, cosmetically polished finish with significantly reduced manual labor and enhanced repeatability — ideal for scaling polishing operations across aerospace, electronic, and precision-machined plastic components.
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.