Also referred to as laser polishing, laser finishing is a process whereby the surface of a component is melted using a laser beam, in order to improve its quality.
Laser finishing is used on components that may not be suitable for traditional polishing methods. It does not remove any material from the workpiece - it simply melts the surface, improving the quality of the finish.
Laser finishing can be used on virtually all metals, meaning that it is an incredibly versatile process in terms of its applications. However, as laser finishing is a fairly specialist technique, it may not be as cost-effective as traditional polishing methods.
Used to produce
A polished surface on components that are not suitable for traditional polishing methods.
Materials
Laser finishing can be used on virtually all metals.
Advantages
Does not remove any material from the workpiece.
Improves a component's surface quality.
Little restriction in terms of the metal used.
Disadvantages
Laser finishing is a fairly specialist technique, meaning that it may not be as cost-effective as traditional polishing methods.