Commercial superfinishing abrasives put the final mirror sheen on already ground parts. Use belts, blocks or loose abrasives to produce a final finish that measures in microns.

But just having a handful of diamond dust will not result in superfinished parts; you have to find the right abrasive for your needs, acquire a superfinishing machine or any necessary superfinishing attachments for current equipment and know how to use them. Here's a basic checklist for getting started:

1. Scout superfinishing abrasives: Which one will provide the finish you need?

2. Price superfinishing machine and attachments.

3. With the information from parts one and two firmly in hand, is it practical (or cost-effective) to begin superfinishing yourself, or should you let a superfinisher do the job for you?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Meet your superfinishing abrasives vendor

Consult with your engineering department. If you have superfinishing equipment already in place, which superfinish abrasive (silicon or diamond, for example) are you using and in which form: block, wheel, belts? If you are just starting a superfinishing operation, which grade of final finish is necessary? This will help to determine which superfinishing abrasives you must purchase; contact a manufacturer with your specifications and they will be only too happy to help you find an abrasive that will help you get the job done.

I recommend: Massasoit Tool Company and Dynabrade each sells a variety of superfinishing abrasives in various forms.

Get superfinishing machines to do the work for you

Heavy duty superfinishing abrasives don't apply themselves; you need machinery to do the work.

I recommend: Lapmaster International sells a variety of finishing and superfinishing machinery. You may also be able to find used or liquidated metal finishing machines and machine attachments capable of superfinishing for auction through Liquidity Services.

Decide if you are ready to wield the superfinish abrasives

You've found the right superfinishing abrasive and priced equipment and attachments. Now you're ready to make a major investment and start your own superfinishing operation. But wait--have you comparison shopped the alternative: Letting someone else do the work?

I recommend: Super Finishers offers superfinishing services in all types of metal, and Atlas Machine & Supply has full-service grind shops (whose available services include superfinishing) in multiple locations throughout the United States.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Did you know that superabrasives alone are not enough to produce a perfect finish? Ideally, the rough finish on the incoming part should be between 10 and 15 microinches in order to allow the superfinishing abrasives to cut the surface down to the appropriate final finish. The more consistent the finish on the incoming product, the finer and more consistent the finish on the outgoing product, too.