Difference Between Buffing Wheels and Polishing Wheels

Difference Between Buffing Wheels and Polishing Wheels

Buffing and polishing are two common finishing processes used in the manufacturing industry. Both involve smoothing the surface of a workpiece to improve its aesthetics as well as its physical properties. While there are differences between these two processes, their similarities are much more numerous.

What is buffing?

Buffing is a finishing process that involves the use of a loose abrasive on a wheel. To polish a workpiece, a manufacturing company may use a wheel that’s covered with an abrasive disc.

A Buffing Wheel consists of a center hub, which is attached to the spindle of a machine, and an abrasive disc. The abrasive disc is typically covered in oil or water, which helps to cool and lubricate the wheel. The machine operator may choose from a variety of different wheels with varying textures, depending on the desired finish.

What is Polishing?

Polishing is a finishing process that involves the use of an abrasive that’s secured typically with glue or other adhesives to the polishing wheel. As a result, polishing is considered a more aggressive finishing process when compared to buffing. It’s able to remove more superficial material from the surface of a workpiece, allowing for a brighter and more polished finish.

It’s important for manufacturing companies to use the right type of abrasive when performing buffing and polishing.

In order for polishing and buffing processes to be effective, they must be performed by skilled professionals using appropriate equipment and proper safety precautions.