Here at Loader Parts Source, we utilize a variety of machines and processes when we remanufacture parts and systems. One of these processes is lapping. We use the lapping process for finishing parts and increasing the accuracy of the size and shape of the part. Let’s take a deeper look at the lapping process and what types of materials it may be used on.
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What is Lapping?
Lapping is a process used in machining which uses loose abrasion and a fluid medium to remove specific areas from a workpiece—increasing the part’s precision. Lapping may be performed by hand or by lapping machines. At LPS, we prefer the accuracy machines provide even after working for hours on-end. Lapping is similar to grinding and honing, but rather than using a bonded material or a grinding wheel, lapping only uses loose abrasion.
Lapping Machines in the Lapping Process
There are 5 main components to a lapping machine: a rotating table/lapping plate, conditioning rings, the topweight, the slurry (abrasive materials and fluid), and the motor. Along with these components, there are also the controls, coolant, filters, and casing of the machine.
During the lapping process, the lapping plate and the conditioning rings rotate. The conditioning rings hold the workpiece. The topweight is used to press the workpiece down; the topweights can be made of different materials or weights depending on the need. The slurry is dripped onto the lapping plate and is evenly distributed by the rotation of the plate. The abrasives within the slurry grind against the material/workpiece removing any micro-irregularities. These micro-irregularities can be as small as ten-thousandths of an inch. The lapping process can take anywhere between 1 and 20 minutes.
Some materials are better suited to handle the lapping process than others. The materials that can undergo lapping include cast iron, ceramics, tungsten, plastic, stainless steel, bronze, rubber, and silicon. Lapping uses low speeds, which doesn’t produce high temperatures, so materials like rubber and plastic can withstand the process without melting.
The lapping process in action.
Advantages of Lapping
There are many benefits to using lapping for finishing your workpiece. As mentioned before, lapping produces very little heat, making it ideal for materials that would otherwise melt or distort. Depending on the size of the machine itself, lapping can be used on workpieces of almost any size. Lapping is also extremely accurate and can correct imperfect shapes. Both sides of a flat workpiece can be lapped at the same time to achieve extreme accuracy and parallelism.
Lapping is an incredibly valuable process for the remanufacturing process. We utilize our lapping machines to ensure that our parts are precise and fit seamlessly into their respective loaders. If you are looking for high-quality lapped parts, contact a member of our customer service team today!
