The stock removal unit in the polishing machine is small as is shown in Figure 6.3. Abrasives only act on the top layer of a work surface because much finer abrasives and softer tools are adopted than in the case of lapping.
In glass polishing, fine metal oxide abrasives, such as cerium oxide power (CeO2) and red rouge powder (Fe2O3) of less than 1 μm, are used along with soft polishers such as pitch, wax, plastic, and synthetic leather. The abrasives elastoplastically sustained in the pad (polisher) are presumed to produce extremely small scratches on the pad. Unsubstantial chips in glass polishing accompanied by the hydration phenomenon are shown. However, it is impossible to observe such chips under a wet polishing condition.