Mechanical finishing & post-processing · finish comparison
Lapping vs Superfinishing and Isotropic Superfinishing
Lapping and Superfinishing and Isotropic Superfinishing are both mechanical finishing finishes; superfinishing resists corrosion better.
Lapping
Mechanical finishing · $$$$
Lapping is a precision loose-abrasive process used to improve flatness, parallelism, and very fine roughness.
Superfinishing and Isotropic Superfinishing
Mechanical finishing · $$$$
Superfinishing removes grinding peaks from bearing and gear surfaces with very fine abrasive action.
When to choose which
Choose Lapped
Choose Lapped when flatness of a planar face is primary.
- Achieves Ra 0.01–0.10 µm (0.4–4 µin)
- Improves flatness and parallelism
- Produces high bearing area
Choose Superfinishing
Choose Superfinishing when a low-friction bearing surface is primary.
- Produces Ra about 0.02–0.20 µm (0.8–8 µin)
- Reduces friction and break-in wear
- Removes directional grinding peaks
What the numbers say
- Superfinishing resists corrosion better.
- Lapped is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | Lapped | Superfinishing |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 0 Minimal | 5 Minimal |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 70 Very good | 65 Good |
| Lubricity | 30 Low | 55 Good |
| Cost | 70 $$$$ | 75 $$$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | Lapped | Superfinishing |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0 µm | 0 µm |
| Electrical | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Relative cost | High ($$$$) | High ($$$$) |
| Added lead time | 3–10 working days | 3–10 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | On request | On request |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | Lapped | Superfinishing |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | Yes | — |
| Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Aluminum | With care | Limited |
| Brass | With care | Limited |
| Copper Alloy | With care | Limited |
| Magnesium Alloy | With care | With care |
| Nickel Alloy | — | With care |
| Titanium | With care | With care |
| Zinc Alloy | With care | With care |
Lapped vs Superfinishing — frequently asked
What is the difference between Lapped and Superfinishing?
Lapping and Superfinishing and Isotropic Superfinishing are both mechanical finishing finishes; superfinishing resists corrosion better. Lapped is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
When should I use Lapped instead of Superfinishing?
Choose Lapped when flatness of a planar face is primary. Conversely: choose Superfinishing when a low-friction bearing surface is primary.
Is Lapped or Superfinishing cheaper?
Lapped is the lower-cost finish ($$$$ against $$$$ for Superfinishing) among the finishes FabDigit quotes. Both are priced per part with a lot minimum; the exact figure appears on the instant quote once the part is uploaded.