Machinery buying guideLast updated October 2026

Slab Polishing Line

Factory gloss, one slab after another.

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Price level
Luxury
Best to buy
Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct
Top sources
Italy flagBrazil flagChina flag
Automatic slab polishing line with a row of polishing heads

Photo: USAID Afghanistan, Public domain

Overview

What it is

A line polisher carries slabs or tiles on a conveyor under a bank of rotating heads, each fitted with progressively finer abrasives, so the stone is calibrated, honed and polished in one continuous pass. Marble lines use Frankfurt-shaped abrasives; granite lines use Fickert abrasives.

The number of heads sets the output and gloss: more heads mean higher speed and a better finish. Brush heads turn the same line into a leathered or antique-finish machine.

Stage
Surface finishing (slabs and tiles)
Heads
About 8 (tiles) to 20+ (slab lines)
Abrasives
Fickert (granite), Frankfurt (marble)
Finishes
Polished, honed, leathered, brushed
Output
Measured in m² per hour

Applications

Best used for

  • Slab factoriesThe standard finishing step after sawing.
  • Tile factoriesWith calibrators ahead of the polishers.
  • Leathered and antique finishesWith brush heads.
  • Re-finishing imported slabsPolishing unfinished imports locally.

Origins

Which countries to source from

The producing countries that matter for slab polishing line, what each is known for, and a direct link to vendors there.

Timing

Best time of year to buy

Buy around the big fairs: Xiamen and Marmomac Brazil in March, Coverings in April and Marmomac Verona in late September. Makers launch models and offer show pricing.

  1. Jan: normal
  2. Feb: normal
  3. Mar: best time to buy
  4. Apr: best time to buy
  5. May: normal
  6. Jun: normal
  7. Jul: normal
  8. Aug: slower or pricier
  9. Sep: best time to buy
  10. Oct: best time to buy
  11. Nov: normal
  12. Dec: normal
Best time to buy Normal Slower or pricier
  • Italian makers close for about three weeks in August; orders placed in July often slip to September.
  • Chinese makers close for Lunar New Year; order by early December for spring delivery.
  • Large lines are built to order: expect three to nine months from deposit to commissioning.
  • Plan installation for your own slow season so the changeover doesn't cost production.

Import costs

Tariffs and import duties

Base duties for the main import markets, the extra US surcharge by origin, and the trade remedies to check before you quote a landed price.

HS codes

  • 8464.20Grinding and polishing machines

Base import duty (MFN)

  • United States2%HTS 8464.20, grinding and polishing machines.
  • European Union2.2%
  • United Kingdom2%

Importing into the US? Add the 2026 origin surcharge

Section 301 rates in force since 24 July 2026, stacked on the MFN rate above.

  • Italy flagItaly10% min.Section 301 (2026) tops the duty up to at least 10% in total; no surcharge if MFN is already higher.
  • Brazil flagBrazil+37.5% & 30137.5% Section 301 (2026) plus the legacy China Section 301 duty (25% on most stone and machinery lines), on top of MFN.
  • China flagChina+12.5% & 30112.5% Section 301 (2026) plus the legacy China Section 301 duty (25% on most stone and machinery lines), on top of MFN.
  • China-origin machines currently incur an additional 12.5% duty under Section 301.
  • Imports from China no longer face the 10% Section 122 duty.

Rates checked October 2026. Indicative rates for planning, not a customs ruling. Duties depend on the exact tariff line, origin, trade agreements and the rules in force on the day of entry. Confirm with a licensed customs broker before you price an order.

Before you order

Buying checklist

  1. 1Match the number of heads to your target output and finish.
  2. 2Look for automatic thickness reading and a gloss meter.
  3. 3Compare abrasive consumption per square metre.
  4. 4Integrate with a resin line if you process granite.
  5. 5Plan water recycling and sludge handling.

Price level: A major line investment; abrasives are the ongoing cost.

Vendor Network

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