Polishing Cloths for Metallographic Preparation

We supply polishing cloths for every preparation stage – from pre-polishing to final polishing. Each cloth is matched via elasticity, pile structure, and backing to the material, target roughness, and removal behavior. The result: reproducible surfaces, high edge sharpness, short process times.

Selection by Preparation Step

• Pre-polishing: denser, harder cloths for high removal rate and edge sharpness. Suitable with diamond suspensions of larger grain sizes.
• Intermediate polishing: medium elasticity for controlled removal without relief formation; adjust grain size to material/target.
• Fine/final polishing: elastic pile and nonwoven cloths for deformation-free final surfaces; with fine diamond suspensions or polishing oxides.

Cloth Materials and Structures

• Materials: virgin wool, silk/rayon, felt, nonwoven, flocked and foamed backings.
• Structures: short-/long-pile surfaces, woven and needlepunch nonwoven designs.
• Functional surfaces: hydrophilic or hydrophobic; thermally fixed to avoid unwanted shrinkage.
• Function: uniform embedding of grinding/polishing media, defined impact elasticity, homogeneous contact pattern.

Material Spectrum

• Ferrous materials and steels (un-/low-alloyed, high-alloyed)
• Nonferrous metals (Al, Cu, Ni‑based), light metals
• Hardmetals and sintered materials
• Ceramics and hard materials
• Coating systems/coatings (consider cross-section, planarity)

Fixation and Compatibility

• Fixations: magnetic backings (MD‑compatible), self-adhesive versions.
• Formats: common diameters (200, 250, and 300 mm) for lab preparation. Available up to 1040 mm.
• Can be combined with our diamond suspensions and polishing oxides for coordinated process chains.

Selection Criteria – Practical

• Target surface: flatness, edge sharpness, mirror finish, artifact-free.
• Material hardness and microstructure: avoid relief, smearing, edge burrs.
• Removal rate vs. surface quality: reduce grain size stepwise, choose cloth elasticity accordingly. Adjust parameters such as speed and pressure.
• Tool life and reproducibility: consistent results across series and labs.

Process Notes

• Cleanliness: clean the polishing cloth before and after each use using a root brush and detergent.
• Conditioning: properly wet the cloths; avoid overdosing.
• Documentation: record speed, rotation direction, applied pressure, time, medium, and cloth type – facilitates repeatability. You are welcome to request a template for a preparation recipe from us.

Scope Clarification

Our polishing cloths are designed for industrial and laboratory metallography. Private applications (e.g., vehicle care, household polishing) are not part of this category.

How to Proceed

• Select polishing cloth, diameter, and fixation to suit your process. Combine the cloth with a suitable diamond suspension or a polishing oxide.
• Use our preparation recipes for proven parameter sets by material and target surface: preparation recipes at https://www.schmitz-metallographie.de/metallographiebedarf/praeparationsrezepte/
• If unsure: give us a quick call or send feedback with material, target parameters (e.g., Ra/Rz, microstructure requirements), and equipment – we will recommend the right setup.

Consulting and Ordering

• Email: info@schmitz-metallographie.de
• Schmitz‑Metallographie GmbH