Polishing Silver Plate

Plating involves the deposition of thin films of metal onto other surfaces. Tumbling plated products can be a challenge to achieve the desired results without removing the thin metal film.

The picture on left shows a silver plated part with a dull surface finish. The desired shiny, polished finish on the right was accomplished with a vibratory tumbler. A precision ceramic polishing media was used since this media has no abrasive and is high density allowing for a short cycle time (1 hour). In addition, a high lubricity, pH balanced burnishing compound was used to produce a high shine.

This process produced a customer-approved surface finish and did not remove the plating - even on the edges and corners.