Buffing wheel composition for surface finishing Buffing (polishing) wheels used in finishing operations are commonly made of which material?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: cotton fabric

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Buffing is a finishing process used to improve luster and smoothness of surfaces after machining or grinding. The wheel material and applied compounds determine the final appearance and micro-roughness.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Common shop buffing wheels (not abrasive grinding wheels).
  • Use of polishing compounds such as rouge, tripoli, or alumina.


Concept / Approach:
Buffing wheels are typically built from layers of cloth—most commonly cotton—stitched together to form a flexible face. The cotton holds and delivers polishing compound to the work, enabling gentle abrasion and plastic flow at the surface, producing a high shine.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify typical wheel structure: multiple plies of cotton cloth, stitched.Confirm function: carry compound and conform slightly to surface contours.Select “cotton fabric” as the correct material.



Verification / Alternative check:
Supplier catalogs list stitched cotton, loose-leaf cotton, and ventilated cotton buffs as standard options.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Metals (A) would scratch and are not used for buffing wheels; carbon/graphite (C/D) are not typical buffing wheel materials; glass fiber (E) relates to reinforced abrasive wheels rather than cloth buffs.



Common Pitfalls:
Confusing buffing (cloth + compound) with polishing using fixed abrasive wheels; using the wrong compound for the substrate leading to smearing or residue.



Final Answer:
cotton fabric

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