Downloaded from SAE International by Bodycote Thermal Processing, Friday, June 09, 2017

AEROSPACE AMS2452
MATERIAL
Issued 2011-06
SPECIFICATION

Superfinishing of HVOF Applied Tungsten Carbide Coatings

RATIONALE

Superfinishing is a process that follows in the process sequence after grinding of tungsten carbide HVOF coatings that
have been ground in accordance with AMS2449. The superfinishing process requires different equipment and procedures
from grinding and therefore merits separate documentation.

NOTICE

ORDERING INFORMATION: The following information shall be provided to the superfinishing processor by the
purchaser.

1) Purchase order shall specify not less than the following:

• AMS2452
• Basis metal under tungsten carbide
• Type of HVOF tungsten carbide coating to be superfinished. See AMS2447 or AMS2448.
• Coating thickness required after superfinishing
• Coating acceptance criteria if not as specified herein
• Minimum and maximum surface finish requirements. Examples: Ra (average roughness), Rz (average peak to
valley height), Rp (mean line to highest peak height), Tp/Mr/Rtp/Rmr (bearing ratio), or other relevant parameters
may be specified as necessary to adequately characterize the required surface finish depending on the
application. See 3.6 and 8.2.7.
• Finish diameter and/or dimensional requirements after processing. See 8.5.
• Quantity of parts to be superfinished

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SAE Technical Standards Board Rules provide that: “This report is published by SAE to advance the state of technical and engineering sciences. The use of this report is
entirely voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent infringement arising therefrom, is the sole responsibility of the user.”
SAE reviews each technical report at least every five years at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or cancelled. SAE invites your written comments and suggestions.
Copyright © 2011 SAE International
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of SAE.
TO PLACE A DOCUMENT ORDER: Tel: 877-606-7323 (inside USA and Canada) SAE values your input. To provide feedback
Tel: +1 724-776-4970 (outside USA) on this Technical Report, please visit
Fax: 724-776-0790 http://www.sae.org/technical/standards/AMS2452
Email: CustomerService@sae.org
SAE WEB ADDRESS: http://www.sae.org
 Downloaded from SAE International by Bodycote Thermal Processing, Friday, June 09, 2017

SAE AMS2452 Page 2 of 13

1.

1. SCOPE

1.1 Purpose

This specification covers requirements for the superfinishing of High Velocity Oxygen/Fuel (HVOF) applied tungsten
carbide thermal spray coatings.

1.1.1 Superfinishing is a process used to produce high quality surface finishes characterized by low Ra (roughness
average), such as 8 µinch Ra or less, in comparison to conventional ground coatings as in AMS2449. See 8.2.6.

1.2 Application

This process has been used typically to superfinish tungsten carbide HVOF coatings applied in accordance with
AMS2447 or AMS2448 to high strength steels for applications requiring wear, heat, and corrosion resistance or
dimensional restoration, such as aircraft landing gear and hydraulic actuator components. However, usage is not limited
to such applications. Tungsten carbide HVOF coated surfaces for seal applications such as hydraulic actuators typically
require a surface roughness of 0 to 4 µinch (0 to 0.1 µm) Ra. Tungsten carbide HVOF-coated surfaces mating with a
bushing or sleeve typically require a surface finish of 4 to 8 µinch (0.1 to 0.2 µm) Ra. This process follows grinding of
HVOF coatings processed in accordance with AMS2449. The intent of this specification, in addition to improving surface
finish, is to change the morphology or surface characteristics in order to prolong the service life of the component.

1.3 Safety - Hazardous Materials

While the materials, methods, applications, and processes described or referenced in this specification may involve the
use of hazardous materials, this specification does not address the hazards, which may be involved in such use. It is the
sole responsibility of the user to ensure familiarity with the safe and proper use of any hazardous materials and to take
necessary precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of all personnel involved.

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

The issue of the following documents in effect on the date of the purchase order forms a part of this specification to the
extent specified herein. The supplier may work to a subsequent revision of a document unless a specific document issue
is specified. When the referenced document has been cancelled and no superseding document has been specified, the
last published issue of that document shall apply.

2.1 SAE Publications

Available from SAE International, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, Tel: 877-606-7323 (inside USA
and Canada) or 724-776-4970 (outside USA), www.sae.org.

AMS2447 Coating, Thermal Spray, High Velocity Oxygen/Fuel Process

AMS2448 Application of Tungsten Carbide Coatings on Ultra High Strength Steels, High Velocity Oxygen/Fuel
Process

AMS2449 Grinding of HVOF Sprayed Tungsten Carbide Coatings Applied to High Strength Steels

ARP5935 Use of HVOF Thermal Spray Coatings for Hard Chrome Replacement in Landing Gear Applications

2.2 ASME Publications

Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 22 Law Drive, P.O. Box 2900, Fairfield, NJ 07007-2900, Tel:
973-882-1170, www.asme.org.

ASME B46.1 Surface Texture (Surface Roughness, Waviness, and Lay)

 Downloaded from SAE International by Bodycote Thermal Processing, Friday, June 09, 2017

SAE AMS2452 Page 3 of 13

3. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Parts to be superfinished shall have been coated with tungsten carbide coating in accordance with AMS2447 or
AMS2448 and ground to a surface roughness of 12 to 20 µinch (0.3 to 0.5 µm) Ra in accordance with AMS2449.

3.2 Surface Finish

Unless otherwise specified by the cognizant engineering organization, the surface roughness after superfinishing shall be
4 µinch (0.1 µm) Ra or better. Surface finish shall meet the minimum and maximum values specified for Ra, Rp, Rz, and
Tp/Mr/Rtp/Rmr or other parameters specified by the purchaser, including finish diameter and/or dimensional requirements
after all processing has been completed. See 8.2.7 and 8.5. Type 1 surfaces in accordance with ARP5935 are surfaces
that require sealing a hydraulic fluid with a sliding interface, such as landing gear struts and hydraulic actuator piston rods.
To maximize seal life for these applications, superfinishing to 4 µinch (0.1 µm) Ra or better is required. ARP5935
recommended surface finish parameters for Type 1 surfaces include Rz of 40 µinch maximum (1.0 µm), Rp of 8 µinch
maximum (0.2 µm), Rmr 70 to 90% at Co=5% and C1=0.25Rz. See 3.6 and 8.2.7.

3.3 Cleaning

Protective coatings and other foreign materials shall be removed from parts prior to superfinishing to preclude
contamination of cutting fluid (coolant) and abrasives.

3.4 Superfinishing Process Requirements

Parts shall be processed in accordance with 3.4.1 or 3.4.2. The superfinishing process shall be performed in accordance
with Tables 1, 2, or 3, as applicable, and Figures 1 or 2, a stone or tape Superfinishing Process Control Sheet (or
equivalent acceptable to the cognizant engineering organization), as applicable, to result in acceptable parts.

3.4.1 Stone Method

The superfinishing equipment shall be mounted as an attachment on a suitable support machine (such as a lathe)
capable of providing rotation to the workpiece and traverse of the attachment. A self-dressing, superfinishing stone shall
be inserted into the stone guide. The stone shall oscillate perpendicular to the direction of rotational velocity of the
component being superfinished. Stone guides shall be attached to pneumatic pistons and shall provide constant contact
force, rather than being set to a specified infeed or discrete stock removal depth per pass.

3.4.1.1 Superfinishing Stones

A diamond abrasive stone shall be used. See 8.6.

3.4.1.1.1 Each of the following parameters shall be met when selecting an abrasive stone.

3.4.1.1.1.1 Abrasive shall be metal-bonded diamond.

3.4.1.1.1.2 Grit or grain size shall be 9 to 30 µm.

3.4.1.2 Cutting Fluids (Coolants) Used for Stone Superfinishing

Honing oil or mineral oil shall be used as a flushing medium to rinse away the particles between the stone and workpiece.
Honing oil or mineral oil shall be applied to the part and stone during operation.

3.4.1.3 Workpiece Surface Speed Used for Stone Superfinishing

Unless otherwise specified, the surface speed of the workpiece shall be 25 to 75 surface feet per minute (SFPM) (7.5 to
22 m/minute). Direction of rotation shall be “forward” or counter-clockwise so that applied fluid is carried directly
underneath the stone.
 Downloaded from SAE International by Bodycote Thermal Processing, Friday, June 09, 2017

SAE AMS2452 Page 4 of 13

3.4.1.4 Contact Pressure for Stone Superfinishing

On typical applications with typical superfinishing units the contact pressure shall be 30 to 45 psi (2 to 3 bars).

3.4.1.5 Traverse Rates

Unless otherwise specified, traverse rates shall be 0.062 to 0.125 inches per revolution (IPR) (1.6 to 3.2 mm per
revolution). If spiral or other undesired optical patterns are being generated due to the traverse rate, traverse rate shall be
consequently decreased.

3.4.1.6 Oscillation Rates

Unless otherwise specified, the oscillation rate shall be 900 to 2400 strokes per minute (15 to 40 Hz).

3.4.1.7 Processing with Diamond Polishing Paste

After processing with the diamond stone is complete and the workpiece surface roughness has been brought down to the
specified surface roughness, a diamond paste shall be used as required to remove spiral or other undesirable optical
patterns using a hardwood/felt pad block. The part shall be cleaned to remove honing oil using a suitable method such as
with acetone or alcohol in preparation for the diamond paste. The felt pad shall be saturated with mineral oil (or equivalent
acceptable to the cognizant engineering organization) and a thin strip of diamond paste applied to the pad. The diamond
paste shall be evenly spread over the surface of the felt pad.

3.4.1.7.1 Polishing Paste Abrasive Requirements

3.4.1.7.1.1 Abrasive shall be diamond.

3.4.1.7.1.2 Grit or grain size shall be 3 µm or 6 µm.

3.4.1.8 Surface Speed When Using Diamond Polishing Paste

The surface speed of the workpiece shall be 75 to 150 surface feet per minute (SFPM) (23 to 46 m per minute). Direction
of rotation shall be “forward” or counter-clockwise so that applied fluid is carried directly underneath the stone.

3.4.1.9 Contact Pressure

Contact pressure for polishing using diamond paste shall be 45 to 60 psi (3 to 4 bars).

3.4.1.10 Stone Superfinishing Method

Surface finish requirements versus grit size selection for stone superfinishing shall be as specified in Table 1. Incoming
surface quality will affect the results. Alternative grit sizes may be used when approved by the cognizant engineering
organization.
 Downloaded from SAE International by Bodycote Thermal Processing, Friday, June 09, 2017

SAE AMS2452 Page 5 of 13

TABLE 1 - SURFACE FINISH VS. GRIT SIZE

Surface Roughn ess, Ra Rz, (average peak to Stone / Paste Grit Size,
µinch (µm) Bearing Ratio, (%) valley height), µinch (µm) µm
12 - 20 (0.3 - 0.5) 50 - 65 60 - 160 (1.5 - 4) After Grinding
5 - 10 (0.13 - 0.25) 65 - 85 25 - 80 (0.64 - 2) 30 µm (stone)
2 - 4 (0.05 - 0.1) 70 - 90 10 - 32 (0.25 - 0.8) 15 µm (stone)
1.5 - 3 (0.04 - 0.08) 70 - 90 8 - 24 ( 0.2 - 0.6) 9 µm (stone)
1 - 2 (0.03 - 0.05) 70 - 95 5 - 16 (0.13 - 0.4) 6 µm (paste)
0.5 - 1.5 (0.01 - 0.04) 70 - 98 3 - 12 (0.08 - 0.3) 3 µm (paste)

3.4.2 Abrasive Film/Tape Method

The equipment shall be mounted as an attachment on a suitable support machine to provide rotation to the workpiece and
traverse of the attachment. See 8.9.

3.4.2.1 Superfinishing (Microfinishing and Lapping) Film

Diamond abrasive film shall be used. Abrasive film shall be labeled with the complete film specification including abrasive
type and grit size. See 8.7.

3.4.2.1.1 Each of the following parameters shall be met when selecting an abrasive film:

3.4.2.1.1.1 Abrasive shall be diamond.

3.4.2.1.1.2 Type shall be microfinishing film or lapping film. See 8.7

3.4.2.1.1.3 Grit or grain size shall be 3 to 125 µm.

3.4.2.2 Cutting Fluids (Coolants) Used for Film Superfinishing

A suitable cutting fluid shall be used which does not have an adverse effect on the part being superfinished. Recirculating
cutting fluids shall be continuously filtered to minimize recycling residue and swarf. The cutting fluid when using
superfinishing film shall either be oil or water-soluble coolant.

3.4.2.3 Surface Speed When Using Superfinishing Film

The surface speed of the workpiece shall be 100 to 400 surface feet per minute (SFPM) (30 to 122 m per minute). Slower
surface speed will require longer finishing times to achieve desired finishes. Direction shall be counter to film index
direction.

3.4.2.4 Film Index Rates When Using Superfinishing Film

The film index rate shall be 0.75 to 1.5 inches per minute (IPM) (19 to 38 mm per minute). Faster film index rates will
provide coarser finishes than slower film index rates.

3.4.2.5 Contact Pressure for Film Superfinishing

The contact pressure shall be 15 to 60 psi (1 to 4 bars) unless otherwise stated in equipment manufacturer’s operator
manual or specification.
 Downloaded from SAE International by Bodycote Thermal Processing, Friday, June 09, 2017

SAE AMS2452 Page 6 of 13

3.4.2.6 Traverse Rates

Traverse rates shall be 0.01 to 0.1 inch per revolution (IPR) (0.3 to 2.5 mm per revolution) for 2 inch (50 mm) wide film
and 0.02 to 0.2 inch per revolution (IPR) (0.5 to 5 mm per revolution) for 4 inch (102 mm) wide film. Faster traverse rates
will require more finishing passes per grade to achieve desired finish although total finishing time should remain similar. If
spiral or other undesired optical patterns are being generated due to the traverse rate, traverse rate shall be consequently
decreased.

3.4.2.7 Oscillation Frequency

The oscillation frequency for tungsten carbide coatings shall be 500 to 800 oscillations/minute (8.3 to 13 Hz). To achieve a
wide cross-hatch pattern, oscillation frequency may be reduced to 100 oscillations/minute. Alternative frequencies may
be used when approved by the cognizant engineering organization.

3.4.2.8 Lapping Film Superfinishing Method

Surface finish requirements versus grit size for tape superfinishing method using diamond lapping film shall be as
specified in Table 2.

Alternative grit sizes may be used when approved by the cognizant engineering organization. Incoming surface quality will
affect these results. See 8.8.

TABLE 2 - SURFACE FINISH VS. LAPPING FILM GRIT SIZE

Surface Roughness, Ra Rz, (average peak to valley

µinch (µm) Bearing Ratio, (%) height), µinch (µm) Film Grit Size, µm
12 - 16 (0.30 - 0.40) 60 - 75 60 - 120 (1.5 - 3.0) 45 µm
4 - 10 (0.10 - 0.25) 65 - 85 50 - 100 (1.2 - 2.5) 30 µm
2 - 4 (0.06 - 0.10) 70 - 90 28 - 60 (0.7 - 1.5) 15 µm
2 - 3 (0.04 - 0.06) 70 - 95 16 - 28 (0.4 - 0.7) 9 µm
1 - 3 (0.03 - 0.06) 70 - 98 12 - 20 (0.3 - 0.5) 6 µm
1 - 2 (0.03 - 0.05) 70 - 98 8 - 18 (0.2 - 0.45) 3 µm

3.4.2.9 Microfinishing Film Superfinishing Method

Surface finish requirements versus grit size for tape superfinishing method using microfinishing film shall be as specified
in Table 3.

Alternative grit sizes may be used when approved by the cognizant engineering organization. Incoming surface quality will
affect the results. See 8.8.

TABLE 3 - SURFACE FINISH VS. MICROFINISHING FILM GRIT SIZE

Surface Roughness, Ra Rz, (average peak to valley

µinch (µm) Bearing Ratio, (%) height), µinch (µm) Film Grit Size, µm
15 - 18 (0.38 - 0.46) 50 - 65 75 - 145 (1.9 - 3.68) 125 µm
12 - 15 (0.3 - 0.38) 55 - 70 60 - 120 (1.5 - 3) 74 µm
8 - 12 (0.2 - 0.3) 65 - 85 40 - 100 (1 - 2.5) 45 µm
5 - 8 (0.13 - 0.2) 70 - 95 25 - 65 (0.64 - 1.65) 30 µm
2.5 - 5 (0.06 - 0.13) 70 - 98 12 - 40 (0.3 - 1) 15 µm

3.5 Cleaning

Cutting fluid (coolants) and superfinishing residuals that have a deleterious effect on the part shall be removed after
superfinishing. Cleaning materials shall not corrode or otherwise degrade the surfaces of the part.
 Downloaded from SAE International by Bodycote Thermal Processing, Friday, June 09, 2017

SAE AMS2452 Page 7 of 13

3.6 Surface Finish Measurement

Unless otherwise specified, surface finish shall be measured in accordance with ASME B46.1. Surface finish shall meet
the requirements as specified by the customer. Unless otherwise specified, the 0.030 inch (0.8 mm) cutoff length shall be
used for values of Ra in the range of 4 to 80 µinch (0.1 to 2 µm). Unless otherwise specified, the 0.010 inch (0.25 mm)
cutoff length shall be used for values of Ra in the range of 0 to 4 µinch (0 to 0.1 µm). Unless otherwise specified, the
stylus tip radius shall be 2 µm (0.00008 inch).

3.7 Quality

3.7.1 Coating, as received by purchaser, shall be smooth, continuous, and uniform in appearance. Visual inspection
shall reveal no evidence of spalling, chipping, flaking, and other imperfections detrimental to usage of the coating.

4. QUALITY ASSURANCE

4.1 Responsibility for Inspection

The processor shall supply all samples for processor’s tests and shall be responsible for performance of all required tests.
When parts are to be tested, the parts shall be supplied by purchaser. The cognizant engineering organization reserves
the right to sample and to perform any testing deemed necessary to ensure that processing conforms to the specified
requirements.

4.2 Classification of Tests

4.2.1 Acceptance Tests

Actual values for Ra, Rz, Rp, bearing ratio and any other relevant parameters specified by the purchaser, including finish
diameter and/or dimensional requirements after all processing has been completed, surface finish (3.2), and quality (3.7)
are acceptance tests and shall be performed on parts from each lot. See 8.5.

4.3 Sampling for Testing

4.3.1 Acceptance Tests

Test samples shall be randomly selected from all parts in the lot. A lot shall be all parts of the same part number,
processed in a continuous series of operations (3.4 and 3.5), in not longer than 24 consecutive hours, and presented for
processor’s inspection at one time. Unless the cognizant engineering organization provides a sampling plan, the
minimum number of samples shall be as shown in Table 4, or as agreed upon by the purchaser and the processor.

TABLE 4 - SAMPLING FOR ACCEPTANCE TESTS

Quality, Surface
Number of Parts Finish, and Finish
in Lot Diameter
up to 6 All
7 to 15 7
16 to 40 10
41 to 110 15
111 to 300 25
301 to 500 35
501 to 700 50
701 to 1200 75
over 1200 125
 Downloaded from SAE International by Bodycote Thermal Processing, Friday, June 09, 2017

SAE AMS2452 Page 8 of 13

4.4 Monitoring of the process and examination of the finished items shall be in compliance with processor’s quality
assurance provisions which ensure that the requirements of this specification are met.

4.5 Process Approval

4.5.1 The process and control factors or a preproduction part, or both, whichever is specified, shall be approved by the
cognizant engineering organization before production parts are supplied. The process description and control
factors shall be documented on a Superfinishing Process Control Sheet in accordance with Figures 1 or 2 (or
equivalent acceptable to the cognizant engineering organization) as applicable prior to commencement of
production superfinishing.

4.5.2 If the processor of parts superfinished in accordance with this specification makes a significant change to any
material, process, or control factor referenced in the process description (Figures 1 and 2), all preproduction tests
shall be performed and the results submitted to the cognizant engineering organization for process reapproval
unless the change is approved by the cognizant engineering organization. A significant change is one which
deviates more than ±10 percent of the approved control factor parameters.

4.6 Reports

The processor shall furnish with each shipment a report showing the results of tests for surface finish and stating that the
parts have been processed and tested in accordance with the specified requirements and that they conform to the
acceptance test requirements. This report shall include the purchase order number, this AMS specification number and
its revision letter, part number, lot identification, and quantity.

4.7 If any periodic or acceptance test fails to meet the specified requirements, the process is nonconforming. No
additional parts shall be processed until the process is corrected and new specimens are coated, ground,
superfinished and tested. Results of all tests shall be recorded and, when requested, reported. Purchaser shall be
notified of all parts superfinished since the last successful inspection.

5. PREPARATION FOR DELIVERY

5.1 Superfinished parts shall be handled, preserved and packaged to ensure that the required physical characteristics
and properties are preserved as defined by the purchaser.

5.2 Packages of superfinished parts shall be prepared for shipment in accordance with commercial practice and in
compliance with applicable rules and regulations pertaining to the handling, packaging, and transportation of the
parts to ensure carrier acceptance and safe delivery.

6. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Processor shall mention this specification AMS number and its revision letter in all quotations and when acknowledging
purchase orders.

7. REJECTIONS

Parts on which coating surface finish does not conform to this specification, or to modifications authorized by the
cognizant engineering organization, will be subject to rejection.

8. NOTES

8.1 A change bar (l) located in the left margin is for the convenience of the user in locating areas where technical
revisions, not editorial changes, have been made to the previous issue of this document. An (R) symbol to the left of
the document title indicates a complete revision of the document, including technical revisions. Change bars and
(R) are not used in original publications, nor in documents that contain editorial changes only.
 Downloaded from SAE International by Bodycote Thermal Processing, Friday, June 09, 2017

SAE AMS2452 Page 9 of 13

8.2 Terms used in AMS are clarified in ARP1917 and as follows:

8.2.1 Bearing Ratio

The ratio of material to air in a horizontal slice through the surface profile expressed as a percentage. The zero percent or
reference line for the bearing ratio is located at the top of the highest peak within the evaluated profile. The bearing ratio is
measured at different depths through the profile and varies with slice depth. See 8.2.7.1.5.

8.2.2 Coolant

Coolant is a fluid that is directed onto the workpiece and tool to dissipate heat, to provide lubrication for the cutting
process (machining process), and to carry away chips and debris from the cutting zone. Coolant is the industry standard
term used to describe water-based cutting fluids. The coolant (cutting fluid) not only cools; it also lubricates and washes
away chips and debris.

8.2.3 Cutting Fluid

Cutting fluid is the fluid used to cool, lubricate, and wash clean a machining process. Cutting fluids may be oils, soluble
oils, or water-based synthetic. Oil based products are commonly referred to as cutting fluids. The industry standard and
widely accepted term commonly used to describe water-based cutting fluids is coolant. Honing oil or mineral oil is used as
the cutting fluid for the oscillating stone superfinishing method. The cutting fluid when using superfinishing film can be
honing oil, mineral oil, or water-soluble coolant.

8.2.4 Grain Size

The grain size refers to a number which corresponds to the U.S. Standard wire mesh size screen used for sizing the
abrasive grain. This size is also defined by average particle diameter in accordance with ASTM B 214.

8.2.5 Grit Size

Another term for abrasive grain size.

8.2.6 Superfinishing

Superfinishing is a process used to produce high quality surface finishes characterized by very low Ra (roughness
average) and other parameters (such as Rz, Bearing ratio, and several others depending on the application).
Superfinished surfaces typically have an average surface roughness equal to or less than 8 μinches Ra. Superfinishing
requirements of tungsten-carbide-coated surfaces for seal applications are usually less than 4 µinch Ra. Superfinished
surfaces typically have higher bearing area ratios (Tp, Mr, Rmr, Rtp) than as-ground surfaces. Ra, Roughness Average in
microinches (µinch), is one useful quantity in characterizing a surface finish. Rz, Rmax, and Rp are generally more
sensitive to changes in surface finish than Ra, and therefore Rz, Rmax, and Rp are useful tools for monitoring a
production superfinishing process.

8.2.7 Surface Finish

Surface finish is the smoothness of the machining marks and the resulting topography on the surface of a workpiece.
Surface finish is measured by moving a precision stylus across the surface and measuring the amplitude of the
fluctuations of the stylus. Surface finish includes Ra (roughness average), bearing ratio (often referred to as Tp, Mr, Rmr,
or Rtp), Rz (average peak to valley height over 5 cut-off lengths), Rp (maximum peak height) and may also include other
parameters as necessary to adequately characterize the required surface finish depending on the application. A reference
source for additional information on surface finish parameters, terms and sketches is “Surface Texture Analysis The
Handbook” by Hommelwerke. A website link for additional information regarding surface finish parameters, terms and
sketches is: http://www.zygo.com/library/papers/SurfText.pdf.
 Downloaded from SAE International by Bodycote Thermal Processing, Friday, June 09, 2017

SAE AMS2452 Page 10 of 13

8.2.7.1 Surface Finish Parameters

8.2.7.1.1 Ra

Roughness Average. Ra is also known as the CLA – Center Line Average, or AA – Arithmetic Average. Ra can be
expressed in microinches (µinch) or micrometers (µm). Ra is the average distance from the surface profile to the mean
line over the length of assessment. The parameter Ra does not differentiate between peaks and valleys.

8.2.7.1.2 Rz

Average peak-to-valley height. To determine the parameters Rz and Rmax, the filtered roughness profile is divided into 5
equal lengths (equal to the cut-off length). The maximum peak-to-valley height is determined within each cut-off length.
Rz(DIN) is the average of the 5 maximum peak-to-valley heights within each of the five cut-off lengths being evaluated.
Because maximum profile heights within each cut-off length are being examined, Rz is generally more sensitive to
changes in surface finish rather than Ra. Therefore, Rz is a useful tool for monitoring a production process.

8.2.7.1.3 Rmax

The maximum peak-to-valley height within one cut-off length. Rmax is an indication of the maximum defect height (peak
or valley) within the assessed profile and is useful for surfaces where a single defect is not permissible. An example of this
might be a seal where a single scratch could impair performance.

8.2.7.1.4 Rp (ISO)

The distance from the mean line to the maximum peak height within the evaluation length. Rp (ISO) is useful for surfaces
where a single peak above a certain value is not permissible. An example of this might be a seal where a single scratch
could impair performance.

8.2.7.1.5 Tp, Mr, Rmr, Rtp

Bearing ratio also called material ratio and bearing area ratio. The ratio of material to air in a horizontal slice through the
surface profile expressed as a percentage. The zero percent or reference line for the bearing ratio is located at the top of
the highest peak within the evaluated profile. The bearing ratio may be measured at different depths (e.g., C1, C2, C3)
through the profile and varies with slice depth. To avoid dependence of the bearing (or material) ratio on a single peak, a
reference line is selected to shift the reference line below the highest profile peak. The reference line is specified as a
bearing (material) ratio percentage. Specifying a 5 percent reference line indicates that the top 5 percent of the profile is
not included in the bearing ratio calculation. A reference line of Cref = 5% (also referred to as Co=5%) is commonly used
for applications covered by this specification. A slice depth of C1=0.25Rz is commonly used as the slice depth at which to
measure bearing ratio for applications covered by this specification.

8.2.8 Swarf

Swarf is the mass of particles and debris remaining after a superfinishing process.

8.3 Dimensions and properties in inch/pound units and the Fahrenheit temperatures are primary; dimensions and
properties in SI units and the Celsius temperatures are shown as the approximate equivalents of the primary units
and are presented only for information.

8.4 Parts manufacturing operations such as heat treating, forming, joining, shotpeening and media finishing can affect
the condition of the substrate, or, if performed after coating or finishing, could adversely affect the coating and
superfinished part. The sequencing of these types of operations should be specified by the cognizant engineering
organization or purchaser and is not controlled by this specification.

8.5 The purchaser is expected to provide the processor with a properly dimensioned part that allows for the change in
dimensions expected from the process. The purchaser should also provide any special instructions that may need
to be observed concerning coating thickness or coated part dimensions.
 Downloaded from SAE International by Bodycote Thermal Processing, Friday, June 09, 2017

SAE AMS2452 Page 11 of 13

8.6 Diamond superfinishing stones are self-dressing and the profile of the workpiece will be generated into the stone
over time.

8.7 There are two main superfinishing film types: (1) “Microfinishing” film - those with electrostatically-applied abrasive
particles and (2) “Lapping” film - those with slurry coated particles. Electrostatically-applied particles are oriented
with the particles standing up, whereas slurry coated particles are randomly positioned in a resin bonding agent.
“Lapping” films tend to be less aggressive and, grade for grade, produce finer surface finishes than “microfinishing”
films.

8.8 Traverse superfinishing with no oscillation on the last pass only may produce finer finishes and improve the visual
appearance when using the abrasive film/tape superfinishing methods.

8.9 When using the tape method, abrasive film is loaded as a roll onto the dispensing reel of the unit. This film is then
passed over the front of the rubber contact roller and is attached to the take-up reel. The contact roller oscillates at
a specified rate perpendicular to the velocity of the component. The unit is on a pneumatic slide so that the contact
force is constant, rather than being set to a specified stock removal depth per pass.

PREPARED BY AMEC AND AMS COMMITTEE “B”

 Downloaded from SAE International by Bodycote Thermal Processing, Friday, June 09, 2017

SAE AMS2452 Page 12 of 13

STONE SUPERFINISHING PROCESS CONTROL SHEET

DATE: ________________________________
APPLICATION:
PART NAME: __________________________ MACHINE NAME: ______________________
PART NUMBER (VENDOR CODE):___________________________(__________________)
SERIAL NUMBER: ____________________________________________________________
BASE MATERIAL: ______________________ COATING MATERIAL: ______________________
STONE CLASSIFICATION: _______________________ INCOMING DIAMETER:____________
STONE MANUFACTURER: ____________________________________________________
PASTE CLASSIFICATION: _______________________
PASTE MANUFACTURER: ____________________________________________________

WORK PIECE DATA - STONE:

RPM:____________________________ (SFPM) ______________________________
DIRECTION: FORWARD REVERSE
TRAVERSE RATE:
______________________________________________________in/min
CUTTING FLUID: _________________________________________________

WORK PIECE DATA - PASTE:

RPM:____________________________ (SFPM) ______________________________
DIRECTION: FORWARD REVERSE
TRAVERSE RATE:
________________________________________________________in/min
CUTTING FLUID: _________ ________________________________________

SUPERFINISHING PARAMETERS:
ABRASIVE / NUMBER OSCILLATION PRESSURE OSCILLATION
GRIT SIZE OF PASSES (ON/OFF) FREQUENCY
1
2
3
4
5

SURFACE FINISH REQUIRED: ______________________ FINISH DIAMETER: ____________________

TOTAL CYCLE TIME: ____________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:_________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

OPERATOR: ______________________________________ CERTIFICATION NO: _______________________

FIGURE 1 - STONE SUPERFINISHING PROCESS CONTROL SHEET

 Downloaded from SAE International by Bodycote Thermal Processing, Friday, June 09, 2017

SAE AMS2452 Page 13 of 13

ABRASIVE FILM/TAPE SUPERFINISHING PROCESS CONTROL SHEET

DATE: ____________________________
APPLICATION:
PART NAME: __________________________ MACHINE NAME: ______________________
PART NUMBER (VENDOR CODE):_________________________________(__________________)
SERIAL NUMBER: ____________________________________________________________
TAPE CLASSIFICATION: _______________________________________________________
TAPE MANUFACTURER: ______________________________________________________

WORK PIECE DATA:

RPM:____________________________ (SFPM) ______________________________
DIRECTION: FORWARD REVERSE
TRAVERSE RATE:
________________________________________________________in/min
BASE MATERIAL: _________________________ COATING MATERIAL:___________________________
CUTTING FLUID: __________________________ INCOMING DIAMETER: _________________________

SUPERFINISHING PARAMETERS:
GRIT SIZE NUMBER OSCILLATION PRESSURE OSCILLATION Film FEED
OF (ON/OFF) FREQUENCY
PASSES
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

SURFACE FINISH REQUIRED: _______________________ FINISH DIAMETER: ____________________

TOTAL CYCLE TIME: _____________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
OPERATOR: ______________________________________ CERTIFICATION NO: _______________________

FIGURE 2 - ABRASIVE FILM/TAPE SUPERFINISHING PROCESS CONTROL SHEET