The Isotropic Superfinish (ISF) surface engineering is a value-adding and performance-enhancing improvement to conventional machining processes.

The wide-ranging advantages of the ISF process add value and improve performance across a wide range of industries. To communicate energy and motion, engineered components such as bearings and gears roll, slide, rotate or engage their complementary partners. For the longest time, engineers have long been worried about metal-to-metal contact because this situation would most likely result to premature wear and lessened efficiency.

Vibratory bowls are frequently utilized in metal finishing for genetic deburring. The use of vibratory bowls could be applied to surface superfinishing – by utilizing non-abrasive, high-density media in conjunction with isotropic superfinishing chemistry.

When two metals come in contact with each another, the friction created causes the metals to heat up. Be aware that even if a surface looks smooth when seen through your naked eye, it will always have ridges and irregularities once scrutinized under a microscope. So, when two pieces of metal come in contact with each other, heat is generated as a result of the grinding of the ridges.

While it’s true that lubricants can lessen the effects of grinding, more drastic measures still need to be used to resolve much of the damage. The ISF surface engineering process takes care of these ridges at a molecular level so you have a smoother surface, leading to a longer component lifespan and less friction, which translates to less heat generated. By utilizing the ISF process in taking out surface asperities, your components shall be able to work at lower temperatures, with more durability, at improved efficiency and at a quieter operation.

Applying this idea to race car mechanics, you will get parts that last longer, move freer and stay cooler. 50-60% reduction in parasitic drag is common. The superfinishing process improves the action of the lubricant you use and requires less frequent oil changes, with less metallic buildup when you do decide it’s time to change the oil. When applied this revolutionary ISF Process produces a unique isotropic surface condition. In addition, the ISF process results to a significant reduction in the wear of parts made of these materials. Working with new materials and alloys is not an issue at all with REM.

Thus, the most efficient and cost effective method in surface engineering is one that mixes the use of mass engineering equipment and accelerated refinement chemistries that are non-hazardous. To reiterate, the ISF surface engineering process has the following advantages: reduction in friction, reduction in wear of the components, increase in durability, and improvement in corrosion resistance. The efficiency of this process has been proven in many industries including aerospace, gearing and bearings automotive, medicine, motor sports, military and off-highway and power generation.