Surface finish is an important parameter that affects wear, friction, oil retention in engines and compressors, and fluid flow.  C-K Engineering has developed a family of bore replicator systems that can be used for industrial (SEE 3-D^®i, 0.370” - 1.031”) and automotive (SEE 3-D^®a, +2 3/4”) applications.

                   

The key to the replication process is a two-part silicon rubber compound, that can replicate structures as fine as 0.1m.  The compound starts as a thixotropic liquid that is applied to the replicator apparatus which is inserted into the bore to be replicated.  This process takes about 12-15 minutes.  After completely curing, the finished replicate can be removed and analyzed.

Analysis is performed with an optical microscope, an interferometer.   Both replicator systems include a low cost interferometer.