Polishing Cloth Information
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Page 1\nProduct Guide \nPolishing Cloths \nDate: 06/2020, v1.6 \nPolishing cloths can be used for material removal, \nintermediate polishing and final polishing. Each cloth has \na different use and purpose, so it is important to use the \ncloth accordingly and maintain it for multiple uses. \nPolishing cloths are available with either adhesive \nbacking for use with standard platens, or with rigid \n(steel) or flexible (rubber) ferromagnetic backing for use \nwith magnetic platens. \nAdhesive back cloths are secured to individual, dedicated platens or support discs using its \nadhesive backing. It is discouraged to remove or reapply adhesive back cloths to different \nplatens because it reduces the effectiveness of the adhesive. \nFlexible ferromagnetic (FM) back cloths feature a flexible ferromagnetic backing that adheres to \nmagnetic platens. Multiple discs can be used with one magnetized platen, reducing the number \nof platens needed for each procedure, machine or lab. \nRigid ferromagnetic (FM) back cloths feature a rigid ferromagnetic backing that adheres to \nmagnetic platens. Multiple discs can be used with one magnetized platen, reducing the number \nof platens needed for each procedure, machine or lab. The backing offers corrosion resistance, \nhigh stiffness and a rounded, burr-free edge for safer handling. Rigid discs are also well suited \nfor applications that utilize alcohol-based suspensions, slurries and lubricants where prolonged \npolishing times are needed (EBSD), or in high force applications that generate more heat. \nStorage \nBefore Use \nStore polishing cloths flat and in their original packaging to avoid damage or contamination. \nAfter Use \nCloths should be stored in a storage cabinet or inserted into a re-closeable bag and placed in a \ndrawer or on a shelf. The bag should be labeled with information such as abrasive type and size \nused, lubricant used, material polished, date and operator. This can prevent cross-\ncontamination when reused. \nAdhesive Backing: Removal of the cloth from a platen may cause the adhesive to become \nineffective; therefore, the whole platen should be taken off the machine and stored after use. \nFlexible or Rigid Ferromagnetic (FM) Backing: The cloth can be taken off the platen and stored \nafter use. \nwww.alliedhightech.com \nAllied High Tech Products, Inc. \nCall for more information: 800.675.1118 \n\n\nPage 2\nwww.alliedhightech.com \nAllied High Tech Products, Inc. \nCall for more information: 800.675.1118 \n2 of 3 \nInstructions for Use \nUse with Diamond & Lubricant \nBefore use, the cloth should be “charged” or “primed” with sufficient quantities of both \ndiamond particles and lubricant. A constant flow for 6–12 seconds should be enough to prime \nthe cloth. The cloth needs to be damp but not overly wet. \nUse with Alumina & Silica \nBefore use, the cloth should be soaked with water while spinning. Prime the cloth with enough \nsolution to evenly distribute a small amount across the cloth. The water should help to spread \nthe solution and not have it sit in one spot on the cloth. \nLife Expectancy \nA polishing cloth may need to be changed if there is visible breakdown and deterioration of the \nfabric, or if the established method no longer provides the expected polishing results. \nThe following factors may influence cloth life: \n•\nSample hardness\n•\nSample surface area\n•\nApplied force/load\n•\nMounting material\n•\nPolishing time\n•\nNumber of samples polished at once\n•\nLubricants used\n•\nAbrasive types and sizes\n•\nPlaten and power head rotation speeds\n•\nStorage and maintenance\n•\nCloth type\nCloth Cleaning \nUse with Diamond Compounds, Suspensions & Sprays \nNo water should be applied to cloths used with diamond abrasives. As most diamond products \ndo not crystalize, cleaning may only be necessary when buildup is excessive on the outer rim of \nthe cloth or when the cloth becomes contaminated. A contaminated cloth may be salvaged by \nthoroughly rinsing it with soap and water and using a brush or flat object while the cloth is \nspinning to pull contaminants out of the cloth fibers. \nUse with Final Polishing Powders, Slurries & Suspensions \nMost suspensions are water based and can evaporate over time, leaving the abrasive to \ncrystalize. Therefore, it is recommended to rinse cloths used with final polishing products with \nwater after use so the abrasive does not crystalize and dry out the cloth. \nSample Cleaning \nTo remove debris and abrasive particulates, the platen should be wiped with water and \nspin-dried after each cloth is removed. Samples and fixtures should be cleaned with micro \norganic soap, rinsed with isopropyl alcohol and then dried using compressed air spray. This \nreduces the likelihood of scratches on samples due to abrasive contamination. \n\n\nPage 3\nwww.alliedhightech.com \nAllied High Tech Products, Inc. \nCall for more information: 800.675.1118 \n3 of 3 \nTable 1: Standard Fluid Dispensing Parameters \nStep \nIntermediate Polishing \nFinal Polishing \nType \nDiamond \nLubricant \nAlumina/Silica \nPulses/Min \n4 \n6 \n10 \nPulse Length \n0.5 sec \n1 sec \nWater Rinse \nNo \nBefore & After \nTable 2: Intermediate Polishing Cloth Recommendations \nTable 3: Final Polishing Cloth Recommendations \nIntermediate Polishing \nCloth \nAbrasive Size \n(µm) \nFinal Polishing Cloth \nAbrasive Size \n(µm) \nPLAN-Cloth\n30–6 \nChem-Pol\n1–0.02 \nPLAN-B\n15–3 \nFinal A\n1–0.02 \nGold Label\n15–3 \nSpec-Cloth\n1–0.05 \nTECH-Cloth\n9–1 \nVel-Cloth\n1–0.05 \nWhite Label\n6–0.25 \nFinal B\n3–0.05 \nDiaMat\n6–0.05 \nRed Final C\n3–0.02 \nKempad\n9–1 \nFinal P\n3–0.05 \nPan-B\n6–0.25 \nFinal-POL\n3–0.05 \n