A screen polishing machine (also called a phone glass polishing or water-mill grinding machine) removes light surface scratches from phone, watch and tablet glass using a fine cerium-oxide slurry and controlled abrasion. For refurbishment factories, used-phone wholesalers and repair chains, choosing the right capacity is the single biggest factor in payback. This guide maps CITEE’s range from single-station workshop units to 24-station production lines.
Choose by capacity: 1, 2, 4/8, 16 or 24 stations
Station count determines how many devices you process per cycle. Match the machine to your monthly refurbishment volume and the way your line is staffed, rather than buying the largest unit upfront.
- Independent repair shops, low volume: the CPM-001 Single-Station Polishing Machine handles single-device batches and is the simplest entry point.
- Busy repair shops / small refurbishers: the CPM-002 Dual-Station Polishing Machine runs two devices per cycle to lift throughput without extra floor space.
- Large shops and growing factories: the CPM-004 / CPM-008 Multi-Station Polishing Machine adds multi-station capacity with an integrated compressor for a self-contained workstation.
- Refurbishment factories: the CPM-016 16-Station Polishing Machine processes 16 devices per cycle for batch production.
- Large factories, high-volume lots and larger screens: the CPM-024 24-Station Polishing Machine is the 24-station, high-capacity line — also better suited when you include tablet / iPad-sized work.
For a side-by-side view of 16 vs 24 stations and larger-format work, see the high-volume factory polishing line page.
How the subtractive, water-mill process works
Devices are first sealed with UV Waterproof Sealing Glue in Phone Holding / Waterproof Molds to protect ports, speakers and buttons. The machine then circulates cerium-oxide polishing powder and water over the glass while grinding/polishing heads level micro-scratches. Continuous water circulation keeps the panel cool. After polishing, the factory-applied oil-resistant layer is restored with Oleophobic Anti-Fingerprint Coating.
What polishing can and cannot fix
These machines are engineered for light, surface-level scratches — the cosmetic wear that lowers the resale grade of otherwise functional devices. They are not intended for cracked glass, chips, deep gouges you can feel with a fingernail, or damage reaching the display/digitizer; those units require glass or screen replacement. Confirming this boundary before purchase prevents unrealistic yield expectations. Read more on polishing vs glass replacement and ROI.
What factory buyers should compare
- Total cost of ownership, not sticker price: machine plus recurring polishing blankets, rubber rollers, powder, glue and coating.
- Consumables availability: a machine is only productive while spares are in stock. See the polishing consumables guide.
- Factory-direct support: warranty, spare modules, operator SOPs, OEM/ODM and voltage/installation for your country.
- Supplier type: manufacturer vs trading company affects price, customization and after-sales response.
If you are already evaluating branded machines, use our screen polishing machine comparison to compare REFOX/TBK-style units against a factory-direct alternative on the criteria above.
Frequently asked questions
A screen polishing machine (phone glass polishing or water-mill grinding machine) removes light surface scratches from phone, watch and tablet glass using a cerium-oxide slurry, water circulation and controlled grinding/polishing heads. It restores cosmetic appearance without replacing the glass.
Match stations to monthly refurbishment volume and staffing. Independent shops typically start with a 1- or 2-station unit, large shops use 4/8 stations, and refurbishment factories run 16- or 24-station machines for batch throughput. Share your monthly volume and we will recommend a configuration.
No. Polishing is for light surface scratches only. Cracked glass, chips and deep scratches that reach the display require glass or screen replacement.
CITEE machines support current iPhone and Android phones, Apple Watch and curved screens using model-specific molds. Larger tablet/iPad formats are best handled by the 16/24-station machines. Contact us for your specific model list.
Cerium-oxide polishing powder, replacement polishing blankets, rubber rollers, UV waterproof sealing glue, holding molds and oleophobic coating. These are available directly from CITEE for ongoing supply.
Request a factory-direct quotation
Tell us your company name, monthly refurbishment volume, the machine model and quantity you are evaluating, and any consumables you need bundled. Our team will reply with a formal PI, lead time, warranty terms and consumables planning for your workload.