Which tools do you need?
In operational practice, most polishing tasks are performed with tools for linear movement. We are mainly talking about ceramic fibre, grinding and diamond files.
First of all, let’s take a look at the ceramic-fibre files
Ceramic fibres of precisely defined diameters (e.g. 15 µm) are extruded and bound in the longitudinal direction in a heatproof matrix for these modern tools. The fibre tips work on the front of these files. These fibre tips are very hard (ceramic) and are tightly packed next to and above one another. They wear out very evenly, always have a good grip and are extremely effective. The ultrasonic polishing systems provide the optimum drive for ceramic-fibre files. The very high frequency of these devices allows you to remove the hard skin after eroding in no time at all using fibre files.
Fibre files are always used dry.
The surface becomes at least one stage finer than the respective grit size leads to expect. There are two further and very useful developments:
1. Diamond fibre files
Diamond grits are incorporated between the individual fibres. Owing to the diamond grits the stock removal progresses even more rapidly
2. Cristone®fibre files
In this case, the ceramic fibres are replaced with crystal fibres. These fibres are harder with much more cutting efficiency. The stock removal is up to 50% higher, bending strength is doubled and the surfaces become even finer.
Recommendations:
- Try to use ceramic-fibre files as much as possible
- These tools are extremely effective and have a very good price/performance ratio.
- Always shorten ceramic fibre files with a diamond cut-off disc. If you use pliers or a diagonal cutter, the fibres will break and tear out of the plastic matrix. This will transform the file into a “paintbrush”.
- Work a chamfer that is as flat as possible on the front side, in order to obtain the biggest possible working/ effective area.
- Condition the front on a fine diamond file or diamond foil.