In House Test Report - Whirlpool

Objective

Suggest a process that is quick and has a reproducible finish for the Whirlpool stainless steel parts.   

 

Summary

Arc Abrasives, Inc. tested many different processes to come up with the fastest, way to get the best finish possible.

A final process was found that had 7 total steps to finish each side of the part.

Variations can be made to the testing that can speed up the process.  The time for each step will speed up as the operators become comfortable with the process.

 

Products Used

PZ633, 3AX, Predator 4 ½” 120 grit flap disc 4 ½” VZ133 resin fiber disc 2” Compact Grain 320 and 400 grit Quick-Lok 2” 400 grit SA331 Film disc 180 and 320 grit interleafed mounted flap wheel Green hand pad

4 ½” x 5/8-11 4 ½” 2” Type-R 2” Velcro 3 x 2 x ¼

 

Results

A 4 ½” electric angle grinder with a speed of 10,000 RPM was used to test the 4 ½” flap discs

A pneumatic right angle tool was used to test the 2” Quick-Loks and the interleafed mounted flap wheel

A pneumatic 2” orbital sander with a 2” Velcro back-up pad was used to test the film discs

The process used in house was:
• Remove the side weld with a 4 ½” Predator flap disc
• Remove the 120 grit scratches with the 2” 320 or 400 grit Compact Grain Quick-Lok
• Remove the Quick-Lok scratches with the 2” SA331 on the 2” orbital sander
• Remove the front weld with the 2” 320 or 400 grit Compact Grain Quick-Lok
• Remove the Quick-Lok scratches with the 2” SA331 on the 2” orbital sander
• Clean up the scratches on the front with the green hand pad
• Clean up the side scratches with a 180 or 320 grit interleafed mounted flap wheel (Should be stroke sanded if possible)

 

Conclusions

Based on results each side of this part can be finished in a total of seven steps with a very nice consistent finish.  We feel that after this new process is learned on the production line at Whirlpool, each side can be finished in approximately 7-12 minutes (depending on the final processes chosen).