The surface finish of precision small parts plays a significant role in reducing frictional losses during equipment operation, a crucial manifestation of their precision characteristics in practical applications. During equipment operation, contact and relative motion between parts are inevitable. Friction not only consumes energy but also causes component wear, impacting equipment life and operating accuracy. Highly surface-finished precision small parts effectively mitigate this problem.
Highly surface-finished precision small parts reduce the roughness of the contacting surfaces. Ordinary parts may have tiny bumps, depressions, or burrs on their surfaces. These irregularities increase frictional resistance when parts contact. However, precision small parts, through fine machining, achieve a smoother surface, significantly minimizing the magnitude of these tiny bumps and depressions. This results in a more uniform contact area between parts, avoiding the additional friction caused by the interlocking of rough surfaces and reducing energy loss and component wear caused by surface irregularities.
A smooth surface reduces the coefficient of friction and the heat generated by friction. When two surfaces move relative to each other, the coefficient of friction directly affects the strength of the frictional force. The high surface finish of precision small parts effectively reduces the coefficient of friction on the contacting surfaces, minimizing the frictional force experienced by parts during relative motion. At the same time, lower friction reduces heat generated during friction, preventing degradation of component material properties due to localized high temperatures. This in turn reduces the risk of increased wear caused by thermal damage, maintaining stable component operation.
A smooth surface reduces the likelihood of abrasive wear. Equipment operating environments may contain tiny abrasive particles such as dust and debris. If these particles lodge in recesses in component surfaces, they can scratch mating surfaces during movement, causing abrasive wear. The smooth surfaces of precision small parts are less likely to retain abrasive particles, minimizing contact between abrasive particles and component surfaces, reducing the potential for cutting and scratching during movement. This reduces the damage caused by abrasive wear and extends component life.
A good surface finish helps form a stable lubricating film. In lubricated equipment, a smooth surface allows lubricant to be more evenly distributed across the contacting surfaces, forming a continuous, complete lubricating film that effectively isolates the two moving surfaces and reduces dry friction caused by direct contact. Compared to rough surfaces, the lubricating film on a smooth surface is less susceptible to damage, maintaining good lubrication over time, further reducing frictional resistance, minimizing frictional losses caused by insufficient lubrication, and improving equipment operating efficiency.
Surface finish improves the tightness of part fits, indirectly reducing frictional losses. For precision small parts requiring tight fits, a smooth surface enhances the fit of mating surfaces and reduces interference from air or impurities in the gap. A stable fit prevents shaking or impact caused by excessive clearance during part movement, reducing additional friction and collision losses. Furthermore, good sealing prevents lubricant leakage, ensuring long-term lubrication, and mitigating the adverse effects of friction in multiple ways.
High surface finish reduces stress concentration on part surfaces. The protrusions and depressions of rough surfaces are prone to stress concentration. Under prolonged friction and stress, these areas may be the first to develop fatigue cracks, accelerating part damage. Smooth surfaces on precision small parts, however, distribute stress more evenly, reducing localized stress concentrations and enhancing part fatigue resistance. This makes parts less susceptible to failure due to friction and stress over time, thereby reducing equipment failure and loss caused by component damage.
Over long-term use, the stability of a smooth surface slows the accumulation of frictional losses. Specialized processing ensures the high surface finish of precision small parts, making them less susceptible to rapid deterioration due to friction during use. Even after long-term operation, the surface remains relatively smooth, continuously reducing friction. This stable performance prevents the rapid increase in friction loss over time, maintaining low wear levels over long-term use and extending maintenance cycles and service life.
