Multi-Feed Honing Technology Optimizes Cycle Time, Part Finish

Multi-feed honing technology gives users a choice of tool-feed modes to achieve the shortest cycle times, lowest part cost and longest abrasive life, the company says. It combines controlled-force tool-feed with a controlled-rate feed system. The two different tool-feed modes enable the user to select the better option to suit the workpiece geometry, material and tool type and size. Multi-feed technology is available as an option on new machines in the company’s SV-1000 and SV-500 series, as well as a retrofit for existing machines in these series.

 

Controlled-force honing, a new feature in multi-feed, works like cruise control to ensure the optimum cutting load on the honing abrasive throughout a cycle, irrespective of the incoming part's hardness, geometry or size variation. The company says controlled-force honing can cut cycle times by as much as 50 percent, lengthen abrasive life and enable finer control of surface finish parameters than ever before possible, depending on the application. Controlled-force technology is also said to eliminate glazing of the abrasive due to too little force and maintains a steady, free-cutting, self-dressing condition for maximum metal removal. Controlled-force is suited for applications using segmented diamond or superabrasive honing tools, or where incoming workpieces have slight variations in hole diameters, hardness and geometry.

 

Controlled-force honing is an enhancement of the company’s controlled-rate system for tool wear compensation, which is already capable of adjusting tool size in increments as fine as 0.1 µm (0.000010"). Controlled-rate tool feeding is typically used with plated-diamond CGT honing tools, which use a sleeve of abrasive for full contact with the bore surface. CGT tools are frequently used on cast iron and powder metal workpieces, segmented bores or parts with multiple lands, ports, keyways or cross holes in the bore.