Inovatec MachineryGet all kinds of mass finishing solutions from Inovatec.

Jewelry Polishing Machine – Definitive Guide

Are you into the jewelry manufacturing business?

If yes, then this guide is for you.

This guide will cover the whole process of jewelry polishing using a jewelry polishing machine.

You will also understand the advantages of using jewelry polishing machines for polishing jewelry parts.

1. Why Polish Jewelry Parts?

Let us have a look at the various advantages of polishing jewelry parts.

1.1 For Good Appearance

Appearance matters the most when it comes to jewelry parts.

You can make the jewelry attractive only through polishing.

1.2 For Surface Smoothening

There should not be any unintended sharp or rough areas on your jewelry’s surface.

It can harm the user since these are wearables.

So, surface smoothening is essential.

1.3 For Surface Preparation for Coating

Some parts need a coating, which is an essential part of the jewelry design.

Such parts need proper preparation of their surface for coating.

1.4 To Remove Oxide Layers

Some precious metals are susceptible to oxidation.

So, the manufactured part may have a layer of oxide on the surface.

It will make the jewelry look dull.

So, you need to remove this layer of oxide to make it shine again.

1.5 To Get Desired Finish

The finish requirements for jewelry parts vary for different designs.

Most of the jewelry demand a high gloss finish.

So, you need to ensure that the final product has the desired finish to attract customers.

So, polishing is essential.

2. What Is the Traditional Jewelry Polishing Process?

Traditional jewelry polishing is a rotating wheel-based polishing process.

This wheel is known as the buffing wheel.

Here, multiple wheels are used one after the other for polishing jewelry.

Each will have different abrasive strength.

Both wet polishing and dry polishing are done with the help of this wheel.

Water or other polishing compounds are coated to the wheel for the wet polishing process.

Two types of rotatory wheels are used in the traditional method.

In the first type, the wheel is fixed to the workbench, and you need to move the jewelry along the wheel edge for polishing.

In the second type, the wheel is a movable one.

So, you need to move it over the jewelry.

3. Why Use a Machine for Jewelry Polishing?

Let us have a look at the various advantages of using a jewelry polishing machine when compared to the traditional polishing technique.

3.1 Cost-Effective Solution

In the case of the traditional jewelry polishing process, you will have to invest in lots of laborers and polishing tools.

In the mass finishing process, you need only one machine and a person to operate it.

You need to make a one-time investment in the machine.

You can use the tumbling media multiple times for polishing.

So, the mass finishing technique for jewelry polishing is cost-effective in the long run.

3.2 Saves Time

A jewelry polishing machine allows you to polish multiple jewelry parts together at a time.

If the parts are complex, then you can even polish the parts separately in chambers inside the machine.

So, you will get more polished parts in less amount of time.

3.3 Professional Finish Quality

The quality of the finish is crucial for a jewelry part.

You can get professional-level quality using a jewelry polishing machine.

3.4 Not Labor Intensive

The traditional method of polishing jewelry parts is a labor-intensive process.

So, you need more laborers working at the same time to achieve a good yield.

You will need only one person to operate the jewelry polishing machine that can polish multiple parts at a time.

3.5 No Skilled Labor Requirement

Manual polishing of jewelry parts demands skilled labor.

Otherwise, you will not be able to get the desired finish quality in the final part.

The skill also varies with laborers.

So, the consistency in finish may be a problem, if the part quantity is large.

In the case of a jewelry polishing machine, there is no dependency on skilled laborers.

3.6 Batch Processing Ability

Batch processing ability is one of the most important features of Inovatec machines.

It allows you to simultaneously polish different types of jewelry parts together in separate chambers of a machine.

Thus, it helps to save processing time.

3.7 Damage-Free Polishing Process

You don’t want the parts to get damaged since these are precious jewelry parts.

Even small damage while polishing can have a significant impact on your jewelry business.

The manual polishing method is prone to human errors.

So, the risk of jewelry getting damaged is more.

A mass finishing process ensures a damage-free polishing process with the help of the right polishing media.

3.8 Low Machine Maintenance Cost

The maintenance cost of the machine can be a point of concern for many manufactures.

The jewelry polishing machines from Inovatec don’t require any additional tools for maintenance.

You can easily maintain it using a standard tool kit.

So, the maintenance cost is very less.

4. Typical Polishing Process Using a Jewelry Polishing Machine Explained

Jewelry parts are either made up of precious metals or precious stones.

Unlike a rock tumbler machine, jewelry polisher machines demand high accuracy since the parts are costly.

A typical jewelry polishing process using a mass finishing machine consists of the following processes.

4.1 Pre-Polishing Process

The pre-polishing process is done to remove burrs and scales from the manufactured jewelry part.

It is a wet polishing process.

Here, the manufactured parts are added to a mixture of tumbling media, water, and the polishing compound.

The whole process is done to smoothen the surface.

The time duration of the process is dependent on the type of jewelry parts.

Tumbling media with lesser abrasives are usually selected since we are not interested in removing more material from the valuable jewelry parts.

4.2 Polishing Process

Now, comes the main polishing process.

It is a dry polishing process.

The purpose of this process is to provide a luster shine on the parts.

The process will go on until a high level of luster is achieved on the surface.

4.3 Burnishing Process

The burnishing process is the last stage of the polishing process of jewelry.

It is a dry polishing process.

Here, a tumbling media which doesn’t contain any abrasives is used for polishing the part.

At the end of the process, you will get parts with a mirror-like shine.

5. What Are the Different Types of Machines for Polishing Jewelry Parts?

Let us have a look at the common jewelry polishing machines offered by Inovatec for jewelry polishing.

They are also known as metal polisher machines.

These are some of the best jewelry polishing machines which you can get.

Unlike the industrial ultrasonic cleaner, the operating principle of these machines is completely different.

You don’t have to invest in any kind of ultrasonic jewelry cleaner solution or equipment if you invest in any of these machines from Inovatec.

5.1 Centrifugal Disc Finisher

If the part quantity is small or medium, then you can go for the centrifugal disc finisher.

It works on the principle of centrifugal force.

The disc divider option in this jewelry polishing machine allows you to polish different jewelry parts at the same time.

It is the fastest polishing machine from Inovatec that is capable of dry and wet polishing.

5.2 Desktop Vibratory Tumbler

If you are looking for a highly cost-effective polishing solution, then use a desktop vibratory tumbler.

They are best suited for small scale workshops.

This jewelry polisher tumbler is a compact machine that comes in different capacities.

You can even get a customized bowl for this jewelry polishing tumbler.

5.3 Eco Maxi 3-in-1 Barrel

If your business deals with many types of jewelry parts, then go for the Eco Maxi 3in1 barrel from Inovatec.

It consists of three barrels that can do dry tumbling, wet tumbling, and magnetic tumbling.

So, it supports all types of tumbling needed for different jewelry parts.

5.4 Magnetic Tumbler Machine

Magnetic tumbler jewelry polisher machine is best suited for micro-level polishing of small jewelry parts.

It uses magnetic pins for polishing small intricate sections of jewelry.

So, if you deal with sophisticated jewelry, then consider investing in this machine.

It is useful when the part quantity is small.

The processing time is very less for a magnetic tumbler jewelry polisher.

6. What Type of Tumbling Media to Use for Jewelry Polishing?

Tumbling media plays a vital role in the mass polishing process of jewelry parts.

They are a fused mixture of different types of materials with abrasives.

The tumbling media performs various actions like cutting, finishing, and polishing.

Inovatec recommends three types of tumbling media for polishing jewelry parts.

6.1 Plastic Tumbling Media

Plastic tumbling media consists of polyester resin and abrasives.

It is the best media if you are looking to coat the jewelry surface.

You can use it for soft metals like silver and gold.

It is good to smoothen the jewelry surface.

But, you will not get a high gloss finish.

6.2 Ceramic Tumbling Media

Ceramic tumbling media is best suited for hard jewelry like titanium parts.

Inovatec offers ceramic media with different cutting rates.

So, you can choose any based on the polishing abrasiveness requirement.

They are highly durable and long-lasting.

You can also reduce the processing time by using ceramic media.

6.3 Porcelain Tumbling Media

Porcelain tumbling media is the best option for the final stage polishing of jewelry parts.

They don’t have any abrasives.

It provides a high luster finish to the jewelry.

You can use it for wet polishing as well as for dry polishing.

But, it works best when used for wet polishing.

6.4 Stainless Steel Media

Stainless steel media is best for casting jewelry parts.

With high gravity from steel media, you get mirror finish in 10-30 minutes.

In addition, stainless steel media never rust and never wear out.

It is easy to store after use.

6.5 Walnut Sheel Media

Walnut shell media is used for dry polishing jewelry products.

It is used together with a polishing paste to get the final finish.

You can get this mirror finish either in a centrifugal barrel finishing machine or a centrifugal disc finisher.

7. How Shape and Size of Tumbling Media Impact Jewelry Polishing?

Inovatec offers multiple tumbling media shapes like tristar, cone, pyramid, ball, lens, etc.

The shape selection is based on the complexity and geometry of the jewelry.

You must ensure that the selected shape can touch all parts’ surfaces.

If the jewelry has a sophisticated design, then you will have to go for shapes like tristar and pyramid.

You can also use angle cut shapes for some highly intricate designs.

The size of the media must be selected in such a way that it is easy to separate the jewelry parts from the media.

Media with small and medium sizes are mostly used for jewelry polishing.

Bigger tumbling media will not be able to do efficient polishing for jewelry parts because of the designs.

Jewelry polishing may also demand custom shape and size when the designs are intricate.

You can always get customized tumbling media from Inovatec on request.

8. What Are the Different Types of Jewelry Supported for Polishing?

Inovatec jewelry cleaner and polisher machines support the polishing of various types of jewelry parts.

This list is based on the jewelry material and type of jewelry.

8.1 Gold Jewelry Parts

Gold is the most popular metal used to make jewelry parts.

8.2 Silver Jewelry Parts

Silver is the second popular metal for jewelry making after gold.

8.3 Titanium Jewelry Parts

Jewelry parts made of titanium are very costly.

8.4 Pearl jewels

Pearl is a naturally occurring lustrous substance that is commonly used to make jewelry.

8.5 Rings

Rings are ornaments that are worn in the fingers.

8.6 Bangles Polishing

Bangles are made of different materials like gold, silver, titanium, and other precious metals.

8.7 Earrings

Earrings come in many complex shapes that make them tough to polish.

8.8 Amber Parts

Amber parts are used as decorative in ornaments.

9. What Is the Role of Polishing Compound?

The polishing compound plays a crucial role in the jewelry polishing process.

It is used in the pre-polishing stage for polishing metal jewelry parts also.

The compound used in the pre-polishing stage is in the form of soap that suspends the removed particles from the jewelry.

Another polishing compound does the job of making a protective layer on the part surface to prevent oxidation.

The main purpose of the polishing compound is to enhance the lubrication of the wet polishing process.

Conclusion

So, now you know everything about jewelry polishing.

You can invest in one of these jewelry cleaner and polisher machines from Inovatec Machinery to take your jewelry manufacturing business to the next level.

You should also invest in the right type of tumbling media and polishing compound to ensure a high-quality finish.

The strict quality measures taken by Inovatec Machinery guarantees high-quality tumbling media for the best price.