ULTRASONIC METAL FINISHING INVOLVING CAVITATIONAL EROSION

摘要

The present invention provides an improved ultrasonic finishing process and apparatus for finishing a metal article. The method includes cavitationally eroding the metal article to form pits in its external surface. The metal article is also corroded with a corrosion chemical to corrode the pitted metallic surface. In this manner, substantially homogeneously distributed micro-pits can be formed about the article to create a desired matte finish, as well as a surface that is amenable for sealing. In a preferred embodiment, the corrosion chemical is part of a finishing bath containing an alkaline solution that is ultrasonically cavitated for eroding the metal article such as those composed of aluminium.