Everyone is so focused on compounds, slurrys, and commercial polishes that most have disregarded pad tech. This is a big mistake. Because the type of pad is critical to the desired result depending on what type of surface we are working on and the identity of the problem. Every job is totally different from the one before.
There are felt pads, synthetic felt, urethane foam, and many other materials that have been used. The reason for the different pads is the difference in their properties. For example felt pads are made from condensed natural hair fibers of different sizes, thicknesses, and densities. Such fibers have the tendency to grab onto and hold the polishing particles such as cerium, silicon carbide, or silica. Synthetic felt is similar in that the fibers are made from polymers. They are not natural hairs taken from animals. But the properties can also be different. Now different polymer foams like urethane also differ in density. Which is not density of the fibers but rather density of the polymeric foam matrix. The difference in density here will change how quickly the pad generates heat depending on how fast it is spinning, or the rpms. It will also determine how much heat it can withstand and still maintain its shape or flatness. Why is this important to the polishing process? Simply because heat and friction are critical to the overall performance of the polishing compound/slurry. Attaining the correct numbers without changing the flatness or density of the pad over time is very important to clearing the glass in the least amount of time. All of this must be taken into consideration when designing pads to be used with cerium oxide, silicon carbide, microcrystalline silica, aluminum oxide, and even diamond. It is also necessary to take this information into consideration when designing pads for different surfaces. Of course there is a large difference between glass and acrylic or polycarbonate. But there is also a great difference between clear glass, dark glass, and the tin oxide surface of low e hard coats.
Currently Marc Tanner and myself have begun working with Dave Keller who has retired from a long carrier with Universal Photonics. He has many years of experience traveling all over the world working very close with the optics and electronics industry. Now he has formed his own company specializing in developing and selling polishing pads for various industries including the same. Marc Tanner is in my opinion and the opinion of many others in the glass restoration world the absolute best at what he does. His experience is nonpareil. It is with great excitement that I am now telling everyone that I am expecting some great products from our research. They will be sold through Kellerco which is Daves' new company. I will keep you all updated through the Glass Smart Media. That being this blog, the Glass Smart FB Group, and the Glass Smart YouTube Channel. So stay tuned.
Written by Henry Grover Jr
henrygroverjr@gmail.com
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