Hand polishing
Olymco, Inc. runs an in-house polishing department alongside its plating lines in Canton, Ohio. Hand polishing prepares a visible surface before plating, or gives a contoured part a defined finish on its own. Send the incoming condition and the surfaces to be polished with your part details.
Which surfaces is hand polishing for?
Hand polishing can be considered for trim, hardware, fabricated components, and other parts with visible surfaces. When plating follows, provide the complete finish requirement, such as decorative chrome or nickel plating.
Hand polishing is manual work. It follows the contour of the part and steps down through abrasives, each step removing the scratch pattern of the last. Polishing removes material to refine a surface, and the amount of work depends on the incoming condition, access to the surface, and the required result.
Identify show surfaces and describe scratches, machining marks, welds, or casting defects. Also mark areas that must retain their dimensions or edge shape. A clear finish requirement helps distinguish necessary preparation from work on surfaces that will never be seen.
Note the finish that follows and any prior plating, repairs, or variation between parts. If an appearance reference is available, call (330) 452-2300 to arrange how to share it.
Six details to specify for a quote
- Material and substrate
- Confirm the alloy and the incoming condition, including scratches, welds, and casting defects.
- Finish variant
- Define the target appearance with a reference or a measurable surface finish.
- Part size limits
- Submit dimensions and describe access to the surfaces being polished.
- Tolerances
- Identify protected dimensions, sharp edges, and surfaces to exclude.
- Volume range
- State the quantity per lot.
- Minimum order
- Confirm the minimum order for your part.
Questions buyers ask about this process
Can polishing remove a scratch?
It may, if enough material can be removed without compromising the part. Deep scratches or pits need review against the remaining material and final dimensions. Describe the defect and the finish you need.
Does every part need polishing before plating?
No. Preparation depends on the incoming surface and the specified finish. Visible decorative surfaces may need different work from functional areas. Identify the final process and appearance requirement in the quote request.
Will polishing change dimensions or edge shape?
It can because polishing removes material. Mark critical dimensions, sharp edges, and surfaces that must be excluded. Confirm the allowable change before work begins.
Can only the visible surfaces be polished?
Identify those surfaces on the drawing and ask Olymco to confirm access and feasibility. Distinguishing show surfaces from hidden areas gives the quote a clearer scope.
What information helps explain the polishing cost?
The starting condition, part geometry, areas to be polished, and target finish define the work. Describe these along with the quantity so the quote reflects the actual preparation required.
Can polishing and plating be quoted together?
Olymco has polishing and plating in the same facility. Include both operations in your request and ask for the complete job scope to be confirmed, including which finish and acceptance criteria apply.
Related finishes
Get a quote for your part
Have the six details above ready when you request a quote.