AMES-POLISH

Level 1 is a two step process intended to yield a polished surface with a mirror quality finish. In addition, the procedure produces a work hardened finish relatively free of particle contamination. For best results, the starting cylinder should be rated to an SA finish of 2.5 or better.

The first step is a chemical cleaning to remove process residue followed by a mechanical polish. The polishing action is mildly aggressive and removal of metal from the cylinder wall is therefore held to a minimum, usually in the order of one thousandths of an inch. The polishing is accomplished in a single step using a combination polishing and burnishing mixture in a wet media. After rinsing, a rust inhibitor is deposited on the polished surface, the cylinder is purged with nitrogen, and finally capped.

Variations may be incorporated into this procedure depending on the user's individual requirements. The quality of the polished finish is directly proportional to the condition of the source cylinder. For example, starting with a select hot billet pierce cylinder or one prepared by the cold draw process, this will normally yield a wall finish with an Ra of less than one micron. A final rinse combined with a bake/vacuum cycle is recommended before placing the cylinder into service.