Burnishing Machines

When looking to harden, smooth and provide a corrosion resistant finish on a tool, component or material, burnishing is a crucial step in the process. Burnishing machines are designed to make the process of burnishing easier, to save you time when working. Here at Cromwell, we have a choice selection of burnishing machines from leading brand Bibielle.

What are burnishing machines?

Burnishing machines are a handheld power tool comprised of a high-speed rotating end that creates friction between the burnishing machine and your material or product. This friction creates a compacted top layer, leaving the material with a smooth, shiny finish and superior hardness. This process is sometimes called 'cold-flowing' or 'cold rolling'.

Why burnishing machines?

Unlike sanders or other tools that use an abrasive method which removes material to achieve smoothness, the process of burnishing does not involve any removal of materials. Burnishing machines work by continuously rubbing and crushing the top layer of the material to achieve a compacted, smooth, high polished finish which also bolstered the hardness of the surface of your material. This process can be laborious and time consuming by hand, therefore a burnishing machine is used to save time and reduce user effort.

When are burnishing machines used?

Burnishing machines have a wide range of uses, from giving floors a wet-shine to strengthening tools, burnishing material has multiple benefits. Burnishing tools and components can bolster the corrosion resistance of the tool or component, creates a shiny, smooth finish and improves the hardness of the workpiece.

Burnishing machine types

There are several different types of burnishing machine, each of which works in a slightly different way to achieve the same smooth finish and hardened surface. The main two types are broken down and explained below, allowing you to more accurately shop our selection of products.

• Roller   -   Roller burnishing machines use a cylindrical roller to apply pressure to the surface of your desired material, tool, component or object. The pressure from the roller compacts the surface, hardening and smoothing the top layer in a cold rolling process.

• Ball   -   Similarly to roller burnishing techniques, ball burnishing involves cold rolling your object or material, but instead of being rolled by a cylinder, it is rolled by a spherical ball.

Considerations when choosing a burnishing machine

• Voltage - The most common burnishing machines are either 110 or 240v. This can affect the power of the product and the energy consumption, so this is worth considering when looking to purchase a burnishing machine.

• No Load Speed - This refers to the speed at which the burnishing machine can reach without bearing any load, normally measured in RPM (Revolutions Per Minute). Burnishing machines may have a varying no load speed and this is worth taking into account before selecting your product.

Burnishing machine jargon buster

We want to make it easy for you to browse and shop our selection of burnishing machines, so here are some key terms that will help you understand the range and applications a little better.

What does cold rolling mean?

Cold rolling refers to the process of rolling a material - usually metal - whilst it is cool to harden and smooth out the material. The cylinders or balls of the roller smooth the workpiece without removing any excess material. It is one way of burnishing metal workpieces.

FAQs

What is the difference between polishing and burnishing?

Whilst they are often used interchangeably, the two terms are two different things. Burnishing refers to a mechanical process in which the top layer of a material is compressed and smoothed out in order to achieve a shine as well as hardening the product. Polishing on the other hand, does not affect the material on a mechanical level, merely buffing the top layer and removing dirt.