iPhone Screen Polishing Machine: Technical Guide to Scratch Removal and Glass Refurbishment
The Mechanics of Screen Refurbishment
Refurbishing iPhone and Apple Watch screens involves a specialized mechanical process known as water-mill polishing. Unlike screen replacement, which discards the original OLED or LCD assembly, an iPhone screen polishing machine restores the existing glass. This method is primarily used to eliminate surface scratches and abrasions that do not penetrate the digitizer layer.
The core technology utilizes a combination of water, cerium oxide polishing powder, and precise friction. The machine grinds down the glass surface by microns—roughly the depth of a hair—to level out scratches, followed by a polishing phase to restore clarity and gloss. This process retains the original electronic components of the device, ensuring no loss in display quality or color accuracy.
Equipment Overview: Single-Station Solutions
For independent repair shops and technicians focusing on precision over mass volume, equipment selection is critical. The form factor and control systems of the machine dictate the workflow efficiency.
TBK 938S Technical Specifications
The TBK 938S Mini Desktop Single-Station Polishing Machine represents the compact segment of refurbishment equipment. Designed for workshops with limited space, this unit facilitates the repair of both mobile phone and watch screens.
Key technical characteristics of this equipment include:
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Single-Station Operation: Targeted processing for one device at a time, allowing for focused quality control on individual iPhone or Apple Watch units.
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Intelligent Touch Control: The system features a built-in touchscreen interface, simplifying the adjustment of parameters such as polishing time and pressure intensity without the need for external peripherals.
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Form Factor: As a mini desktop unit, it occupies minimal workbench area compared to industrial multi-station alternatives.
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Versatility: Capable of handling various degrees of damage, from minor scuffs to deeper scratches, through adjustable grinding profiles.
Operational Workflow for iPhone Scratch Repair
Achieving a factory-grade finish requires adherence to a strict operational protocol. The process generally follows these stages:
1. Assessment and Waterproofing
Before an iPhone enters the polishing chamber, it must be sealed. The polishing environment involves water and abrasive slurry. Technicians must use specific UV curing adhesives or molds to seal the charging port, speaker grills, buttons, and receiver mesh. This step prevents liquid ingress which could damage internal components.
2. Grinding Phase
The device is secured in a mold compatible with the specific iPhone or Apple Watch model. The machine applies coarse abrasive pads to level the glass surface. The duration of this phase depends on the depth of the deepest scratch.
3. Polishing Phase
A finer polishing pad and high-concentration cerium oxide slurry are used to remove the micro-abrasions left by the grinding phase. This step restores transparency.
4. Oleophobic Coating
The physical abrasion removes the manufacturer's original coating. A new oleophobic layer must be applied post-polishing to ensure the screen resists fingerprints and provides the expected tactile smoothness.
Comparative Data: Polishing Machine Configurations
Understanding the difference between single-station and multi-station units helps technicians choose the right tool for their throughput requirements.
| Feature | TBK 938S (Single-Station) | Standard Multi-Station Unit |
| Capacity | 1 Device (Phone or Watch) | 4 - 8 Devices |
| Footprint | Compact Desktop | Large Industrial Floor/Bench |
| Control Interface | Intelligent Touch Screen | Button or External Panel |
| Target User | Retail Repair Shops / Labs | High-Volume Refurbishment Factories |
| Power Consumption | Low | High |
| Setup Time | Fast (Direct Load) | Slow (Batch Loading) |
Essential Consumables
Operating an iPhone scratch remover machine requires a steady supply of specific consumables to maintain effectiveness:
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Polishing Powder: Cerium oxide is the standard compound for glass polishing.
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Waterproof Glue: Essential for protecting the device internals.
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Polishing Pads/Skins: These wear down with friction and require regular replacement to ensure even pressure distribution.
FAQs: iPhone Screen Polishing
Q1: Can the TBK 938S remove deep cracks from an iPhone screen?
A1: No. Screen polishing machines are designed to remove surface scratches and abrasions. If the glass is cracked or shattered, the structural integrity is compromised, and the screen must be replaced or the glass separated and laminated.
Q2: Is the polishing process safe for Apple Watch sapphire screens?
A2: Yes, the machine can polish Apple Watch screens. However, sapphire glass is significantly harder than the Gorilla Glass used on iPhones, requiring longer polishing times and specific abrasive compounds designed for higher hardness ratings.
Q3: Does the machine operate automatically?
A3: The TBK 938S operates automatically once the parameters are set via the intelligent touch screen. The technician secures the device, sets the time and mode, and the machine executes the grinding and polishing cycle without manual intervention.
Q4: How long does it take to polish one iPhone screen?
A4: The time varies based on the depth of the scratches. Light scratches may take 10–15 minutes, while deeper scratches can require 30 minutes or more to safely level the glass without generating excessive heat.
Q5: Will polishing affect the touch sensitivity of the iPhone?
A5: When performed correctly, polishing does not affect touch sensitivity. The process only removes a microscopic layer of the outer glass. The digitizer layer, which registers touch, sits beneath the glass and remains untouched.
