CD Machine Polishing & Compound Selection 3

Question 1

A rotary polisher set at 1,800 RPM is most analogous in actual pad speed to a DA polisher set at approximately:

Accepted Answer

9,000 OPM

Answer

Due to the DA polisher's orbital motion reducing effective cutting speed, approximately 9,000 OPM on a DA is needed to approximate the cutting action of 1,800 RPM on a rotary.

Question 2

What is 'jeweling' in the context of machine polishing?

Accepted Answer

A final ultra-fine polishing step to maximize gloss and clarity

Answer

Jeweling refers to the final ultra-fine polishing stage using the least aggressive polish and pad to maximize surface clarity and gloss.

Question 3

When selecting between a 5-inch and a 6-inch backing plate for machine polishing, the 5-inch plate is preferred for:

Accepted Answer

Panels with complex curves and tight areas

Answer

A smaller 5-inch backing plate offers better maneuverability on curved panels and tight contours, reducing the risk of uneven pressure and strike-through.

Question 4

Which condition indicates that a polishing pad needs to be replaced rather than cleaned?

Accepted Answer

The foam has compressed permanently and no longer returns to its original thickness

Answer

Permanent foam compression reduces pad effectiveness and can cause uneven polishing; a pad that doesn't spring back should be replaced.

Question 5

Why should a detailer avoid applying compound directly to the center of a polishing pad?

Accepted Answer

Product applied only to the center distributes unevenly and may fling off at startup

Answer

Applying compound only to the center causes uneven distribution and increases the risk of product flinging off when the machine starts, so product should be applied in a cross or dot pattern near the edges.

(CD) Certified Detailer Practice Test

(CD) Certified Detailer Practice Test

CD Machine Polishing & Compound Selection 3