Surface Preparation of Castings – Grinding and Polishing

Degating and Grinding of Castings for a Perfect Finish

Precise removal of the gating system and careful grinding/polishing are critical steps in foundry finishing. Using advanced technologies and specialist tools, we deliver an ideal cosmetic and dimensional finish without risking damage to the base material — covering aluminium (aluminum), cast iron, brass and steel castings.

Degating and Grinding of Castings

Precise Sprue & Riser Removal and Professional Surface Preparation of Castings

The first rough processing procedure after casting is the removal of gating system and risers. We perform controlled degating (foundry fettling) to remove sprues, runners and risers without compromising the part. Thanks to specially adapted saws and properly selected tools we achieve optimal quality of this process, protecting critical dimensions and cosmetic areas. Our fixtures and cutting parameters minimise heat input and deformation while preparing parts for downstream finishing.

Grinding of aluminium castings is a difficult and demanding process. Depending on requirements, we apply manual fettling and automatic grinding to remove flash and parting lines, perform deburring, edge rounding and linishing, and hit the specified surface roughness (Ra). We grind castings manually and using automatic grinding machines in a specially adapted grinding shop. Long experience allows us to select proper tools, and the experience of our workers guarantees the quality and efficiency of the process — from prototypes to recurring series.

We Perform Automatic Grinding of Castings

We Use Robotic Grinding for a Consistent Foundry Finish

For serial production we offer automatic grinding of castings — in many cases including robotic polishing — on a specially prepared robotic grinding and polishing station. This robotic finishing cell stabilises cycle time, improves repeatability and reduces variation compared with manual-only processes, delivering ready-for-assembly parts at scale.

Automation enables both rough stock removal and precision finishing; where required we also polish castings to elevate aesthetics and performance. Force-controlled, compliant tooling helps achieve a uniform cosmetic result across complex geometries and thin-walled aluminium (aluminum) die castings and sand castings.

Our robots work with high accuracy, eliminating micro‑roughness and surface imperfections. This makes our process a reliable choice for the automotive, machinery, construction and electrical sectors. If you need precise and efficient surface preparation of castings, contact us — we ensure on-time delivery and consistently high quality.

Surface Finishing – A New Level of Aesthetics for Artistic Castings

Professional finishing gives artistic and architectural castings a distinctive character. Meticulous grinding, polishing and optional electroplating bring out fine details and highlight unique forms, delivering smooth, glossy or patinated effects. Each casting can be sealed with a protective coating that boosts durability while providing an elegant, premium appearance.

We Operate a Wide Range of Grinding and Machining Tools

We Use Modern Tools for Grinding, Polishing and Precision Machining of Castings

Our foundry relies on an advanced toolroom for comprehensive surface preparation. We combine manual and automated equipment to tailor the process to part geometry, alloy and cosmetic targets — from deburring and edge blending to final linishing and mirror polishing.

We use a broad range of grinding wheels, abrasive discs, endless belts and diamond tools to precisely smooth surfaces, remove excess material and eliminate micro‑defects. Tooling, grits and cutting speeds are matched to aluminium (aluminum), cast iron, brass and specialty alloys.

All tools are regularly serviced and adapted to the materials we process, ensuring maximum precision and throughput. Partnering with reputable abrasive suppliers allows us to guarantee consistent finish quality and repeatability across batches and long-running programmes.

We Provide Protective Coatings and Electroplating for Castings

We Specialize in Copper Plating and Chrome Plating

On request we apply protective and decorative coatings in line with your specifications. We have long experience in electroplated coatingscopper plating, chromium (chrome) plating, nickel plating — and also in cold‑sprayed coatings such as coloured chromium and metallic paint. These finishes increase corrosion resistance and enhance visual appeal, with options ranging from high-gloss to satin.

Our coatings are used in automotive, machinery, electrotechnical and construction applications, providing high wear resistance and weather durability. We can combine surface preparation, robotic polishing and plating to deliver ready‑made, ready‑for‑assembly components.

Each plating and coating process is executed under strict quality controls to ensure coverage uniformity and repeatable results on every detail. If you’re looking for robust, attractive and durable finishes for your castings, contact us — we provide professionalism, timeliness and top-tier surface quality.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Surface Preparation of Castings

What does degating mean in a foundry?

Degating is the controlled removal of the gating system and risers (sprues, runners, risers) after solidification. We use high‑performance band and circular saws along with cutting tools and fixtures to separate feed material cleanly without damaging the processed piece.

Why is precise removal of risers and sprues critical in casting finishing?

Accurate riser/sprue removal preserves part geometry and prepares the casting for downstream grinding, deburring and polishing. With optimised parameters we minimise material loss and secure dimensional repeatability in serial production.

Which technologies do we use to grind castings?

We combine manual fettling with automatic belt grinding/linishing, abrasive wheels, diamond tools and edge‑blending to remove flash and parting lines and to achieve target Ra. Processes are selected per alloy (aluminium/aluminum, cast iron, brass, steel) and per feature.

What are the main benefits of automatic/robotic grinding?

Robotic grinding and polishing deliver repeatable cycle times, consistent cosmetic results and reduced variation. Automation shortens lead time, reduces human error and is ideal for production lines requiring stable quality.

Which castings can be ground and surface‑finished?

We finish aluminium (aluminum), cast iron, brass, steel and selected specialty alloys — both die‑cast and sand‑cast parts — for automotive, machinery, construction and other industries.

Does grinding affect the strength and durability of castings?

Properly executed grinding improves surface integrity, helps mitigate stress concentrators and micro‑defects, and can enhance corrosion and fatigue resistance. Finely blended edges and uniform finishes reduce the risk of crack initiation.

Which tools do we use for grinding castings?

We apply grinding wheels, endless abrasive belts, diamond heads and ceramic abrasives, matched to the alloy and feature. Fixturing and process control ensure stability and precision.

Does surface preparation influence dimensional accuracy?

Yes. Controlled deburring and grinding help maintain tolerances by removing excess material in a predictable way, preparing parts for electroplating or assembly while meeting cosmetic and Ra specifications.

What is the difference between manual and automatic grinding?

Manual grinding excels on complex geometries and hard‑to‑reach areas; automatic/robotic grinding provides throughput and repeatability for series. We often combine both to match project requirements.

Which quality standards does our surface finishing align with?

Our processes are conducted in line with international industrial quality standards used in automotive, aerospace and machinery sectors. We control surface roughness (Ra), dimensional accuracy and coating coverage through documented inspections and traceable process parameters.