Polishing is reducing the surface roughness of an object using physical machinery or chemicals. Polishing techniques are mainly used in the precision machinery and optical industries. The polished surface of the workpiece is smooth and has a good reflective effect. Workpieces that are polished will be less thick and easily scratched, and the surface must be cleaned with fine velvet cloths, chamois leather, swan hair and special cleaning agents. 

Plastic polishing improves the appearance of plastics by restoring their clarity and gloss. This is especially important for transparent plastics like acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate, where clarity is a key aspect of the product. Polishing can effectively remove light to medium surface scratches, which can occur during handling, use, or shipping. It helps in bringing back the original shine of weathered or dulled plastic surfaces, making them look new again. Polishing smooths out rough or uneven plastic surfaces, eliminating small imperfections such as swirl marks and blemishes left after machining or handling.

Thermoforming techniques such as drape forming, heat forming, and vacuum forming are commonly employed, with vacuum and drape forming being particularly efficient and versatile. When working with polycarbonate sheets, it’s crucial to manage their higher moisture absorption rate of approximately 0.3%. This characteristic necessitates thorough pre-drying before thermoforming to prevent bubble formation during the process.

Moreover, standard hard coatings on polycarbonate sheets may be prone to cracking when subjected to the heat involved in thermoforming, due to their inherent rigidity. For projects requiring thermoforming, it’s advisable to consult with manufacturers who offer specially designed hard coatings capable of withstanding the thermoforming process without compromising the integrity of the coating.