When polishing optical glass, disc cleaning plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth, scratch-free finish. The grinding/polishing disc I use weighs about 40kg (88 pounds), and it’s crucial to clean it thoroughly after every grit change to avoid transferring old grit onto the glass, which can cause irreversible scratches.
Why is disc cleaning important?
- Preventing scratches. Any leftover grit can scratch the surface of the optical glass, which means you’ll need to restart the polishing process. Scratches can ruin days of hard work and lead to significant delays.
- Maintaining optical transparency. Proper cleaning keeps the glass clear and smooth without unwanted imperfections.
- Ensuring smooth transitions. Between different grit stages, disc cleaning helps avoid cross-contamination that can lead to uneven polishing results.
Even a small residue can cause scratches on the glass, which is a costly mistake. Once a scratch appears, it means having to restart the polishing process from scratch, often spending several more days to remove it.
Polishing glass to achieve perfect optical transparency requires a multi-step process. I use an automatic machine that runs with silicon carbide and cerium oxide to achieve the desired result.
My cleaning routine
- Cleaning after every stage: I clean the disc thoroughly after every grit stage to ensure that no previous grit transfers onto the glass.
- Inspecting for residue: After cleaning, I inspect the disc closely to make sure no grit residue is left behind. Even a small amount can lead to a major flaw.
By focusing on careful cleaning between each grit stage, I can ensure that my optical glass sculptures maintain their clarity and smoothness without unwanted imperfections. Proper disc cleaning isn’t just about protecting the glass; it’s about maintaining the precision and quality of the entire polishing process.