https://www.geartechnology.com/issues/0812x/blake.pdf
This article takes a look at a process of treating / polishing a steel surface by extreme polishing by tumblers. The tumbler machines look like larger versions of those used to clean small parts and shell casings for the reloading of ammunition. From what I understand the tumblers are used with ceramic media in order to create a non directional / uniform finish called; Isotropic Surface Finish or ISF. The company that developed it is called REM Surface Engineering, and from what I gather some even call it the REM process. But is seems that many different companies now offer this service.
The idea is actually very basic: giving an extreme polish to steel components at the wear points can greatly enhance their service life. I found this idea very interesting as the results claimed are very positive and dramatic, yet I have never heard of it before. I think it might be somewhat expensive as it is used by race teams, but not by the big car makers yet.
Some videos that further explain the process and technology.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kCPOwCUyF0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZMlRnUwaao
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc3Hvp8jdDo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8BYuKwuuzM
Case Study Involving Surface Durability and Improved Surface Finish
- Thread starter Daverino
- Start date
It's expensive in a time sense. A large order (tens of thousands) can take a few days running 24 hours a day. But after loading them up, the operator is free to do other tasks. It's also incredibly loud, even painfully on the bigger ones.
Absolutely. Any kind of stress riser will allow crack propagation, and axial torsion reduction will reduce cracking, etc. depending on how the parts interface, this matters a TON!
I've witnessed a mikronite ring and pinion pick up 27 RWHP on a dyno with NO other changes...similar process to REM.
