Sunnen's SVL-2115 Automated Lapping Machine Improves Part Consistency

Sunnen's SVL-2115 automated lapping machine is designed to bring increased productivity and part consistency to what has been traditionally a manual process. Based on the SV-2115 honing system, the SVL-2115 provides single-setup processing of hydraulic valves, sleeves, fuel system components and other parts that are prone to distortion when honed. The system control is designed for unattended operation and automatically laps and air gage bores throughout the cycle. Gage readings are fed back to the control and the cycle is repeated until the parts are within specifications.

“Automated lapping is more consistent than manual, and there are fewer operators today with the skills necessary for precision manual lapping,” says Phil Hanna, Sunnen product manager. “For very expensive parts, an automatic lapping process reduces the possibility of ruined parts due to human error. Since lapping is usually the last process during the machining of a workpiece, if the lapping is not correct, all the work to get the part produced up to that point is wasted.”

The Sunnen lapping tools are available for workpiece diameters ranging from 6.3 to 45 mm (0.25″ to 1.77″) and lengths ranging to 12 times the bore diameter, not to exceed 200 mm (7.87″). According to the company, additional diameter ranges are in development. Spindle speed range is 100-2,000 rpm during lapping, but it is capable of slow speeds for non-powered steps, such as lapping paste application or slow-rotation bore entry. Stroking speed is 0-350 spm, with stroke length optimized to achieve a high degree of cylindricity.