Guide to Buying and Using Polishing Machines: A Comprehensive Analysis of Working Principles, Types, and Precautions

 

A polishing machine is an electric tool that achieves surface treatment through mechanical grinding and friction. It is widely used for polishing, waxing, and removing marks on materials such as metals, plastics, and ceramics. Its core principle is that the motor drives the polishing disc to rotate at a high speed (usually 1,500 - 3,000 r/min), and it cooperates with the polishing agent to rub against the surface of the workpiece, thereby removing defects such as oxide layers and scratches and finally creating a smooth and shiny surface.

 

I. Main Types of Polishing Machines

1. Classification by Power Source

    - Pneumatic Polishing Machine: Driven by compressed air, it has high safety and is suitable for flammable environments, but it requires an air supply device.

    - Electric Polishing Machine: It uses direct power supply, which is convenient to operate, but attention should be paid to insulation protection and electrical safety.

2. Classification by Function

    - Industrial Dual - Function Polishing Machine: It supports the switching between grinding wheels and polishing discs, and is suitable for the fine polishing of metal materials and professional car detailing.

    - Simple Polishing Machine: Usually a modified drill, it is small in size and has a fixed rotation speed, suitable for small - area or low - precision requirements.

3. Classification by Rotation Speed

    - High - Speed Polishing Machine (1,750 - 3,000 r/min): With adjustable rotation speed, it is suitable for efficiently removing deep - seated defects.

    - Medium - Speed Polishing Machine (1,200 - 1,600 r/min): It balances the polishing effect and operational stability.

    - Low - Speed Polishing Machine (below 1,200 r/min): Suitable for fine polishing or processing of fragile materials.

 

II. Core Accessory: Selection of Polishing Discs

The material and connection method of the polishing disc directly affect the polishing effect:

- Material Types: Wool discs (high cutting power, suitable for rough polishing), sponge discs (medium fineness, high versatility), rabbit fur discs (ultra - fine polishing, mirror effect).

- Connection Methods: Bolt - on discs (stable and durable), suction - cup discs (quick disassembly and assembly), nut - type discs (strong compatibility).

 

III. Precautions for Use

1. Safety Regulations: Those without professional training are prohibited from operating high - speed polishing machines. Check the power cord for integrity before operation to avoid entanglement or trampling.

2. Environmental Requirements: Ensure that the working area is dry and the polishing pad is clean and free of dirt to prevent impurities from scratching the workpiece.

3. Operation Skills: Keep the polishing head parallel to the workpiece surface to avoid local overheating. Cut off the power when replacing the polishing pad.

 

IV. Key Factors for Purchase

1. Output Performance: Give priority to models with infinitely variable speed to meet the needs of different materials and processes.

2. Reliability: Pay attention to the heat - dissipation ability of the motor and the stability of the machine body to avoid overheating during long - time operation.

3. Ease of Maintenance: A modular design makes it easier to clean and replace accessories, reducing the cost of use.

4. Technological Innovation: For example, the magnetorheological polishing technology uses a magnetic field to control polishing particles to achieve high - precision and non - damaging surface treatment, which is especially suitable for ultra - precision machining scenarios such as optical components.

 

V. Applicable Scenarios and Industries

Polishing machines are widely used in fields such as aerospace, optical glass, consumer electronics, and hardware manufacturing. For example:

- Metal Processing: Mirror polishing of stainless steel and aluminum alloy.

- Non - Metal Processing: Deburring of acrylic and ceramic surfaces.

- High - End Manufacturing: Ultra - precision polishing of sapphire substrates and silicon wafers.

By reasonably selecting the equipment type, accessories, and following the operating specifications, the polishing machine can significantly improve the surface quality of workpieces and meet diverse industrial needs.