Polishing and Its Role in Surgical Precision

Rigor Instruments  is globally renowned for its precision polishing of surgical instruments, a critical step that defines both aesthetic quality and medical-grade finish. With decades of experience and generations of skilled craftsmen, Rigor has become a world leader in polishing techniques.

 Why Polishing Matters in Surgical Instruments

• Enhances corrosion resistance

• Ensures smooth, sterile surfaces

• Prevents tissue damage during surgery

• Improves grip and handling

 Types of Polishing Techniques Used in Pakistan

1. Mirror Polishing

• Produces a high-gloss, reflective finish

• Common in instruments like scalpels, scissors, and retractors

• Achieved through multi-stage buffing with fine abrasives

2. Matte or Satin Polishing

• Non-reflective surface preferred in microsurgery and ophthalmic tools

• Reduces glare under surgical lights

• Achieved using abrasive wheels, sandblasting, or chemical dulling

3. Electropolishing

• Electrochemical process that removes micro-debris and sharp points

• Results in ultra-clean, smooth surfaces

• Increases corrosion resistance and biocompatibility

4. Vibro Polishing (Tumble Polishing)

• Used for mass processing of small components

• Ensures uniform smoothness on bulk items

• Common in dental and orthopedic implants

Rigor’s Competitive Strengths in Polishing

 Quality Checks During Polishing

• Visual inspection under magnification

• Surface roughness tested (Ra < 0.4 µm for surgical finish)

• Passivation testing (to confirm corrosion resistance post-polish)

• Glove test to ensure no sharp burrs remain

Rigor Instruments – Polishing Machinery Lineup

1.  Bench Polishing (Buffing) Machines

• Type: Single & double spindle

• Use: Final high-gloss mirror or matte finish on scissors, forceps, and clamps

• Speed Control: Variable-speed motors (1,500–3,000 RPM)

• Wheels: Cotton, sisal, felt, and leather buffs

• Compatible Abrasives: White, green, or gray polishing compounds

2.  Rotary Polishing Tools (Hand Buffers)

• Type: Flexible shaft rotary tools (Foredom / Chinese equivalents)

• Use: Detailed polishing of tight areas (box joints, serrated tips, finger rings)

• Speed: Up to 20,000 RPM

• Tools Used: Mounted felt wheels, cones, points, and brushes

3.  Vibratory Polishing Machine (Vibro Finisher)

• Use: Mass polishing of small parts like dental, ophthalmic, or bone screws

• Media: Ceramic, plastic, or stainless polishing chips with compounds

• Tank Size: 50–300 L capacity

• Cycle Time: 30–120 minutes per batch

4.  Belt Grinding & Satin Finishing Machines

• Use: Matte or satin finishing on handles and shafts

• Belts Used: 180 to 600 grit

• Features: Adjustable contact wheels and angle guides

5.  Ultrasonic Cleaning Units (Post-Polishing)

• Use: Remove polishing compound residue and fine metal dust

• Tank Size: 25–100 L

• Frequency: 25–40 kHz for deep cleaning of micro-crevices

• Cycle Time: 5–20 minutes

6.  Dust Extraction & Filtration System

• Purpose: Capture polishing dust and metal particles for operator safety

• Includes:

  • Central vacuum hood

  • Replaceable HEPA filters

  • Aluminum dust collectors near buffing wheels

 Machinery Summary Table