Ceramic and Plastic Parts
Perfect Surfaces for the highest demands
Technical components made of ceramic and plastic are becoming increasingly important across various industries. OTEC offers customized mass finishing processes that enable efficient, gentle, and highly precise surface treatment. Whether smoothing, fine grinding, or high-gloss polishing – our technologies achieve reproducible surface qualities with Ra values as low as 0.01 µm, preparing your components optimally for both functional and decorative applications.
Mass Finishing for Ceramics: Precision and Durability
Challenges, Solutions & Processing Goals
Ceramic workpieces stand out due to their extreme hardness, wear resistance, and chemical stability. At the same time, their brittleness poses significant challenges for post-processing, as ceramics are sensitive to mechanical stress and can develop microcracks or fractures if handled improperly. Traditional methods often reach their limits, especially due to high material costs and the need for precise, reproducible processing.
OTEC has developed specially tailored mass finishing processes for ceramics. With precisely defined process parameters, surfaces are smoothed, edges rounded, and the sintering skin gently removed – even for complex geometries or 3D-printed components. The result: uniform, flawless surfaces prepared for both functional and decorative applications.
Advantages of Ceramic Processing
- Highest Surface Quality: Ra values as low as 0.01 µm for maximum smoothness and functionality
- Gentle Process: Prevents microcracks and fractures, even in delicate workpieces
- Efficiency and Reproducibility: Automated processes ensure consistent results and reduce rework
- Durability: Enhanced wear resistance increases the lifespan of your components
Application Examples
Shoulder Heads
Ceramic shoulder heads require extremely smooth, burr-free surfaces to optimize joint mobility and minimize wear. OTEC's Mass Finishing Processes remove microscopic irregularities, homogenize edges, and evenly polish the surface. The result is a durable implant with high precision fit and optimal gliding properties.
Hip Sockets
For ceramic hip sockets, a precise, smooth surface is crucial for secure placement and low-friction functionality within the joint. OTEC's mass finishing ensures uniform treatment of all contours, eliminates burrs and microcracks, and creates a surface that is both functionally robust and wear-resistant.
Mass Finishing for Plastics: Aesthetics and Function
Challenges, Solutions & Processing Goals
Plastics are used in nearly every industry. The wide variety of plastics – ranging from soft and elastic to hard and brittle – presents different processing challenges: soft materials can easily deform, while hard plastics are prone to abrasion or scratches. Especially 3D-printed parts often have rough surfaces that require post-processing for further use or improved aesthetics.
OTEC's mass finishing and polishing processes are precisely tailored to the specific plastics. By carefully selecting suitable process media and parameters, even complex geometries can be processed gently, consistently, and efficiently. The goal is to create flawless, polishable, or ready-to-use surfaces with Ra values below 0.02 µm.
Advantages of Plastic Processing
- Flawless Surfaces: High-gloss finish for perfect aesthetics and feel
- Gentle Processing: No deformation or scratches on delicate workpieces
- High Reproducibility: Consistent quality, even for large production volumes
- Functional Improvement: Precision fit, durability, and easy cleaning
Application Examples
Housing Parts
For plastic housing parts, mass finishing ensures uniform surfaces and burr-free edges. Even complex geometries can be processed gently, avoiding microcracks and scratches. The result is assembly-ready components with a premium feel and appealing appearance, meeting both functional and decorative requirements.
Ear Molds
When Mass Finishing ear molds, edges and surfaces are precisely smoothed without deforming the soft material. This results in comfortable, skin-friendly components with uniform surfaces that are easy to clean and perfectly adapted to the wearer.
3D-Printed Parts
3D-printed plastic parts often feature rough layer structures. OTEC's mass finishing processes smooth these surfaces evenly, remove burrs, and homogenize the finish. The result is ready-to-use, functional components with visually and tactilely impressive quality – even for complex shapes and fine details.
OTEC machines at a glance
Stream Finishing Units
are used for polishing, grinding, and precise edge rounding. more
Drag Finishing Units
are suitable for manual workpiece loading. more
Disc Finishing Units
for surface treatment of workpieces in bulk material. more
Tub vibrators
Intensive finishing with much shorter processing times than conventional tub vibrators.more
OTEC – Your Partner for Perfect Surfaces
Rely on our extensive experience and state-of-the-art technology. We develop customized processes precisely tailored to your workpieces made of ceramic, plastic, or other materials. Our experts are here to help you find the optimal processing strategy for your specific requirements.
In our in-house Finishing Center, we are happy to process your sample parts. This allows you to experience the quality firsthand and work with us to define the ideal process for your production. Enhance your manufacturing efficiency and elevate the quality of your products to a whole new level.
