Overview
Polishing and other finishing applications such as buffing, beveling and edging are used at the end of the production process to refine the surface of the workpiece. Polishing and buffing can be done by hand or with the use of an abrasive belt or wheel. Both processes remove scratches and nicks from a part while improving luster and shine. Of the two, buffing is less abrasive, leading to a smoothing, brighter finish. Many industries such as medical, dental, optical and jewelry use polishing or buffing applications in their manufacturing process. Other finishing applications such as beveling and edging that are used in the optical lab industry further help refine the edges of a workpiece and size it accordingly.