6" Tin Lapping Plate

A 10mm thick tin lapping polishing faceting lap is designed to provide a high-quality polishing surface without developing an "orange peel" texture that can occur with some other tin laps. It features a 1/2" arbor hole for compatibility with lapidary machines. Tin and its alloys, being materials with recrystallization temperatures below room temperature, do not work harden at room temperature. This property is advantageous for embedding diamond particles into the lapping plate.

The tin TAC-3000 and tin-antimony lapping plates overcome the challenge of effectively holding the diamond by maintaining a tightly controlled grain structure. This structure allows the embedded diamond to be pinned at the grain boundaries, preventing smearing and rolling of the diamond during the lapping process. Consequently, the tin and tin-antimony lapping plates facilitate a fixed diamond lapping process, which offers benefits such as lower cutting profiles, improved cutting efficiency, reduced wear on the lapping plates, and a result more akin to a polished surface.A tin lapping polishing lap is a tool used in lapidary work and gemstone polishing. It is a flat disc or wheel made of tin metal that is used in conjunction with polishing compounds to achieve a high-quality polished surface on gemstones.

Here are some key points about a tin lapping polishing lap:

Construction: The lap is typically made of solid tin metal, which provides a relatively soft and malleable surface for polishing gemstones. It may be machined or cast into a flat disc shape.
Polishing Surface: The surface of the tin lap is flat and smooth, providing a stable platform for polishing gemstones. It allows for even contact between the lap and the gemstone during the polishing process.
Polishing Compounds: Polishing compounds or powders are applied to the surface of the tin lap to aid in the polishing process. These compounds are typically diamond or oxide-based pastes or powders that have abrasive properties. The specific compound used depends on the hardness and type of gemstone being polished.
Gemstone Polishing: A tin lapping polishing lap is primarily used for polishing gemstones, such as quartz, topaz, sapphire, and other harder stones. It helps to remove scratches, surface imperfections, and achieve a high-gloss, reflective finish on the gemstones.
Lubrication: During the polishing process, a water-based lubricant or coolant is often used to facilitate the movement of the gemstone on the lap, reduce friction, and prevent overheating. The lubricant also helps carry away debris and maintains the effectiveness of the polishing compounds.
Maintenance: Tin laps require regular cleaning and conditioning to remove residual polishing compounds and debris. Conditioning agents or techniques such as scraping or sanding may be used to restore the lap's surface.

It's important to note that tin laps are specifically designed for gemstone polishing and are not suitable for other materials or metalworking processes. Additionally, proper safety precautions should be taken, including wearing protective eyewear and gloves, and following manufacturer instructions and guidelines when working with a tin lapping polishing lap.