Lapping system for improvement of geometrical accuracy using lathe machine

The geometrical accuracy of the products are essential for high quality and interchangeability. Lapping processing is mostly using for final improvement of geometrical accuracy. Geometrical accuracy includes cylindricity, circularity and straightness. In this paper, lapping processing using a normal lathe was investigated for improvement of geometrical accuracy. Firstly, normal turning process is taken and then, the lapping process is performed using the same lathe. The lapping tool consists of a lapping head made of polypropylene (PP), a coil spring for supplying lapping pressure and holder for fitting on tool post. Lapping slurry is composed by mixing water, PEO (Polyethylene Oxide) and diamond grain. This lapping slurry is supplied between the work piece and the lapping head during lapping processing. The lapping head is made to contact and leave from work piece in regular intervals for catching new grains and removing chips. The optimum lapping condition was investigated for high productivity and high accuracy by experiments. It is concluded from the results that; (1) The geometrical accuracy were improved by using developed lapping system with ordinary lathe machine. (2) The optimum lapping condition was revealed experimentally. (3) The surface roughness and dimensional accuracy are also improved using this developed lapping system.