Subcontract Service
Spherical Lap & Polishing
At Prime Surfacing Solutions, we provide industry-leading spherical lapping and polishing services designed for components where failure is not an option.
Our process goes beyond standard machining; we refine spherical geometries to achieve near-perfect sphericity and mirror-like surface finishes. By combining proprietary abrasive compounds with advanced geometric control, we deliver tolerances that ensure 100% seal integrity, reduced friction, and extended service life for critical assemblies.
Our Expertise
Ultra-Precision Spherical Finishing
Whether it is a prototype for a medical device or a high-volume run for aerospace valve components, our expertise ensures your parts exceed the most rigorous international standards.
Our spherical lapping process uses carefully graded abrasive compounds matched to the specific material and geometry of each component. Through controlled rotational kinematics, we progressively refine the spherical form while simultaneously improving surface finish.
Material Capabilities
Advanced Material Expertise
We work with a diverse range of ferrous, non-ferrous, and hardened materials, tailoring our polishing media to the specific hardness and grain structure of each substrate.
Stainless Steels
- 300 Series Austenitic
- 400 Series Martensitic
- 17-4 PH Precipitation Hardened
- Duplex & Super Duplex Grades
Carbides & Tool Steels
- Tungsten Carbide
- Hardened Carbon Steels
- High-Speed Tool Steels
- Powder Metallurgy Grades
High-Performance Metals
- Titanium Alloys
- Inconel (Nickel Alloys)
- Stellite (Cobalt Alloys)
- Aluminium (Natural, Hard-Anodised & Cast)
Non-Ferrous Alloys
- Pure Copper
- Brass
- Bronze
- Phosphor Bronze
Where It Matters
Industrial Applications
Our spherical finishing processes are essential for components requiring low-torque operation and gas-tight seals across demanding industries.
Flow Control
- High-pressure ball valves
- Valve seats & plug assemblies
- Pump body assemblies
- Metal-to-metal seal faces
Motion Control
- Spherical plain bearings
- Rod ends & linkages
- High-precision bushings
- Swivel joint components
Rotating Equipment
- Precision bearings
- Specialised pump internals
- Turbine components
- Rotary union faces
Specialised Engineering
- Optical housings
- Gimbal pivots
- Hemispherical components
- Instrumentation seats
Performance Data
Technical Benchmarks
Sphericity
Achieving roundness tolerances to within < 2 microns, ensuring near-perfect spherical geometry for critical sealing and bearing applications.
Surface Finish
Capable of reaching Ra 0.025 µm (1 micro-inch) for a true mirror finish — eliminating micro-asperities that compromise seal performance and increase friction.
Contact Verification
We offer “matched set” lapping to ensure a 100% contact pattern between mating spherical surfaces — the gold standard for metal-to-metal seal integrity.
Why PSS
The Prime Advantage
Zero-Failure Tolerance
Every spherical component is verified against stringent acceptance criteria. We serve industries where a failed seal can mean catastrophic consequences.
Prototype to Production
From single development prototypes through to high-volume production batches, we scale our processes to match your programme requirements.
Full Documentation
Complete inspection documentation including sphericity measurements, surface finish readings, and contact pattern verification supplied with every order.
Our matched-set lapping process guarantees complete contact between mating spherical surfaces for absolute seal integrity.
Let's discuss your spherical lapping requirements
Whether you need a single prototype or ongoing production support, our technical team is ready to help you achieve the precision your application demands.