Biomimetics and Dextrous Manipulation Lab

PreparingCeramicTile

Categories:AdhesiveManufacturing, Manufacturing

Lapping a New Plate

  1. Take a ballpoint pen and lightly mark over one face of the plate.
  2. Place a 12x12" glass plate in the sink, and the 80 grit sanding sheet on top. Turn on the water to a moderate flow, and adjust the temperature to be comfortable.
  3. Using back-and-forth motions, sand the marked face of the tile until all ballpoint marks are gone. Turn the tile periodically to avoid asymmetric sanding.
  4. Using very light pressure and a figure-eight lapping pattern, continue until large scratches are removed, and the entire surface is defined by the sanding.
  5. For the 220, 400, and 1000 grits, repeat this light-pressure, figure-eight lapping process, staying at each grit long enough that scratches from the previous grit have been removed.
  6. Rinse thoroughly and inspect. The lapped face should have a satin finish and appear completely flat.
  7. Dry the tile, either at room temperature overnight, or in the oven for about an hour at 65°C.

Refinishing a Used Tile

Perform steps 4-7 above, starting at the grit suitable for removing the defects. For refinishing small residues or discoloration, performing the final polish at 1000 grit is often sufficient.

Materials and Vendors

PNVendorItem
60507CoorsTekPorous ceramic plate
8476K23McMasterGlass plate for lapping, 12x12"
4677A69McMasterSanding mesh, 80 grit
4677A64McMasterSanding mesh, 220 grit
4677A61McMasterSanding mesh, 400 grit
6835A75McMasterSandpaper, 1000 grit
Page last modified on September 19, 2018, at 04:54 PM