Essential Phone Screen Polishing Supplies: Technical Guide to Consumables

The Role of Consumables in Water-Mill Polishing

Successful screen refurbishment relies heavily on the quality and correct application of specific phone screen polishing supplies. While the machine provides the mechanical action, the consumables—such as powders, adhesives, and pads—perform the chemical and physical abrasion required to remove scratches without damaging the device.

The process involves a "water-mill" injection method, where a slurry of water and abrasive powder circulates over the glass. Technicians must maintain a precise inventory of these materials to ensure consistent results and protect the electronic components of the mobile phones being repaired.

Core Polishing Compounds

The primary agent in scratch removal is the abrasive compound.

Cerium Oxide Polishing Powder

Screen polishing powder typically consists of Cerium Oxide ($CeO_2$), a rare earth compound known for its chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) efficiency on glass.

• Function: When mixed with water, it creates a slurry that reacts chemically with the silica in the glass while mechanically abrading the surface.

• Mixture: The powder must be mixed with water at a specific ratio to ensure the pump system in the machine flows correctly without clogging.

• Grit Levels: Different purity levels affect the cutting speed. High-grade powder reduces the time required to level deep scratches.

Waterproofing and Protection Materials

Because the polishing process submerges the device in liquid, waterproofing is the most critical safety step.

UV Waterproof Glue

Standard adhesives are insufficient for the pressure and moisture involved in polishing. Waterproof glue for polishing is a specialized UV-curable adhesive.

• Application: It is applied to the charging port, speaker holes, buttons, and receiver mesh.

• Curing: The glue creates a watertight seal when exposed to a UV curing lamp.

• Removal: After polishing, the glue is peeled off, leaving no residue on the device chassis.

Specialized Device Molds

To secure the phone inside the machine, specific molds are required. TBK manufactures high-precision aluminum molds tailored to specific phone models (e.g., iPhone 13, 14, 15 series). These molds serve two purposes:

1. Stabilization: They lock the phone in place to prevent vibration during the high-torque grinding process.

2. Edge Protection: They shield the bezel and frame of the phone from the abrasive polishing pad.

Mechanical Abrasives

The physical grinding is performed by pads that attach to the machine's polishing plate.

Screen Polishing Pads and Skins

Screen polishing pads act as the carrier for the abrasive slurry. They are consumable items that wear down over time.

• Blankets/Skins: These are softer layers often used for the final polishing stage to achieve a high-gloss finish.

• Grinding Discs: Denser pads used for initial leveling of deep scratches.

• Wear Indicators: Pads must be replaced when the surface becomes uneven or saturated with glass residue, as worn pads can cause uneven polishing or heat buildup.

Post-Processing Supplies

Once the physical scratches are removed, the glass surface is "raw" and lacks the smooth tactile feel of a new phone.

Oleophobic Coating

Factory screens come with an oil-repellent (oleophobic) layer that resists fingerprints. Polishing strips this layer away. Restoring it requires polishing oil for phone screen or a spray coating.

• Application: Applied after the phone is cleaned and dried.

• Curing: Some coatings require heat or UV curing to bond with the glass.

• Result: Restores the "slip" or smooth feel and reduces smudge accumulation.

Consumable Usage and Cost Analysis

The following table outlines the estimated lifespan and function of essential supplies in a standard refurbishment workflow.