There are several types of machine polishers used in the detailing industry, the most commonly used are rotary polishers, dual action polishers and forced rotation polishers. 

Rotary Polishers

Rotary Polishers are the most traditional type of machine polishers and are also known as circular polishers or rotary buffers. They have a circular rotating pad that spins in a single direction and uses a rotary motion to remove surface imperfections – they are powerful and can remove deep scratches, swirls, and heavy oxidation, but they require a higher level of skill and experience to use effectively.

Dual Action Polishers

Dual action polishers are also known as random orbital polishers or DA polishers. They have a circular pad that oscillates in a random pattern, which reduces the risk of damaging the surface being polished and are less aggressive than rotary polishers and are ideal for removing light to moderate swirl marks, scratches, and other imperfections.

Forced Rotation Polishers

Forced Rotation polishers have a mechanism that forces the pad to rotate and oscillate at the same time, giving them more power than a standard dual action polisher, but with less risk of causing damage than a rotary polisher. They are ideal for removing deeper scratches and defects while still providing a user-friendly experience.

Each type of polisher has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of machine polisher will depend on the level of skill and experience of the user, the type of paint or material being polished, and the level of correction or enhancement required.

Using a machine polisher can save time and effort compared to manual polishing, but it requires some skill and experience to use effectively without damaging the surface being polished. Therefore, it is essential to follow proper safety procedures and use the appropriate polishing pad and compound for the task at hand.