Polishing Cloth Information

Refer to the original PDF for tables, figures and page layout.

Page 1
Product Guide 
Polishing Cloths 
Date: 06/2020, v1.6 
Polishing cloths can be used for material removal, 
intermediate polishing and final polishing. Each cloth has 
a different use and purpose, so it is important to use the 
cloth accordingly and maintain it for multiple uses. 
Polishing cloths are available with either adhesive 
backing for use with standard platens, or with rigid 
(steel) or flexible (rubber) ferromagnetic backing for use 
with magnetic platens. 
Adhesive back cloths are secured to individual, dedicated platens or support discs using its 
adhesive backing. It is discouraged to remove or reapply adhesive back cloths to different 
platens because it reduces the effectiveness of the adhesive. 
Flexible ferromagnetic (FM) back cloths feature a flexible ferromagnetic backing that adheres to 
magnetic platens. Multiple discs can be used with one magnetized platen, reducing the number 
of platens needed for each procedure, machine or lab. 
Rigid ferromagnetic (FM) back cloths feature a rigid ferromagnetic backing that adheres to 
magnetic platens. Multiple discs can be used with one magnetized platen, reducing the number 
of platens needed for each procedure, machine or lab. The backing offers corrosion resistance, 
high stiffness and a rounded, burr-free edge for safer handling. Rigid discs are also well suited 
for applications that utilize alcohol-based suspensions, slurries and lubricants where prolonged 
polishing times are needed (EBSD), or in high force applications that generate more heat. 
Storage 
Before Use 
Store polishing cloths flat and in their original packaging to avoid damage or contamination. 
After Use 
Cloths should be stored in a storage cabinet or inserted into a re-closeable bag and placed in a 
drawer or on a shelf. The bag should be labeled with information such as abrasive type and size 
used, lubricant used, material polished, date and operator. This can prevent cross-
contamination when reused. 
Adhesive Backing: Removal of the cloth from a platen may cause the adhesive to become 
ineffective; therefore, the whole platen should be taken off the machine and stored after use. 
Flexible or Rigid Ferromagnetic (FM) Backing: The cloth can be taken off the platen and stored 
after use. 
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Page 2
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Instructions for Use 
Use with Diamond & Lubricant 
Before use, the cloth should be “charged” or “primed” with sufficient quantities of both 
diamond particles and lubricant. A constant flow for 6–12 seconds should be enough to prime 
the cloth. The cloth needs to be damp but not overly wet. 
Use with Alumina & Silica 
Before use, the cloth should be soaked with water while spinning. Prime the cloth with enough 
solution to evenly distribute a small amount across the cloth. The water should help to spread 
the solution and not have it sit in one spot on the cloth. 
Life Expectancy 
A polishing cloth may need to be changed if there is visible breakdown and deterioration of the 
fabric, or if the established method no longer provides the expected polishing results. 
The following factors may influence cloth life: 
•
Sample hardness
•
Sample surface area
•
Applied force/load
•
Mounting material
•
Polishing time
•
Number of samples polished at once
•
Lubricants used
•
Abrasive types and sizes
•
Platen and power head rotation speeds
•
Storage and maintenance
•
Cloth type
Cloth Cleaning 
Use with Diamond Compounds, Suspensions & Sprays 
No water should be applied to cloths used with diamond abrasives. As most diamond products 
do not crystalize, cleaning may only be necessary when buildup is excessive on the outer rim of 
the cloth or when the cloth becomes contaminated. A contaminated cloth may be salvaged by 
thoroughly rinsing it with soap and water and using a brush or flat object while the cloth is 
spinning to pull contaminants out of the cloth fibers. 
Use with Final Polishing Powders, Slurries & Suspensions 
Most suspensions are water based and can evaporate over time, leaving the abrasive to 
crystalize. Therefore, it is recommended to rinse cloths used with final polishing products with 
water after use so the abrasive does not crystalize and dry out the cloth. 
Sample Cleaning 
To remove debris and abrasive particulates, the platen should be wiped with water and 
spin-dried after each cloth is removed. Samples and fixtures should be cleaned with micro 
organic soap, rinsed with isopropyl alcohol and then dried using compressed air spray. This 
reduces the likelihood of scratches on samples due to abrasive contamination. 


Page 3
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Call for more information: 800.675.1118 
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Table 1: Standard Fluid Dispensing Parameters 
Step 
Intermediate Polishing 
Final Polishing 
Type 
Diamond 
Lubricant 
Alumina/Silica 
Pulses/Min 
4 
6 
10 
Pulse Length 
0.5 sec 
1 sec 
Water Rinse 
No 
Before & After 
Table 2: Intermediate Polishing Cloth Recommendations 
Table 3: Final Polishing Cloth Recommendations 
Intermediate Polishing 
Cloth 
Abrasive Size 
(µm) 
Final Polishing Cloth 
Abrasive Size 
(µm) 
PLAN-Cloth
30–6 
Chem-Pol
1–0.02 
PLAN-B
15–3 
Final A
1–0.02 
Gold Label
15–3 
Spec-Cloth
1–0.05 
TECH-Cloth
9–1 
Vel-Cloth
1–0.05 
White Label
6–0.25 
Final B
3–0.05 
DiaMat
6–0.05 
Red Final C
3–0.02 
Kempad
9–1 
Final P
3–0.05 
Pan-B
6–0.25 
Final-POL
3–0.05