A high-speed rotating flat or disc-type polishing wheel/grinding head rotates at a constant speed in a horizontal plane; simultaneously, a tool fixed by a robotic arm or fixture "sweeps" horizontally across the surface of this rotating polishing wheel at a constant angle and position, thereby achieving uniform treatment of the tool surface or cutting edge.
In knife manufacturing, rotary polishing machines are primarily used for:
Brushing: Creating aesthetically pleasing straight or irregular brush patterns that conceal minor scratches. This is its most common application.
Mirror Polishing: Using a high-grit cloth wheel and polishing compound, the knife surface is polished to a mirror finish.
Satin Polishing:Achieving a soft, matte finish, similar to silk.
Edge Polishing:Preliminary polishing of the edge after sharpening to reduce resistance.
Edge Passivation: Micron-level treatment of the edge to remove burrs and micro-notches, improving edge strength and retention, making the knife safer and more durable.