Steel C45 elements lapping

Lapping is a process by which material is precisely removed from a workpiece to produce a desired dimension, surface finish or shape. It also removes subsurface damage caused by sawing or grinding. According to the classification surface to be generated, type of surface, kinematics of the cutting process, and tool shape (profile), many process variants can be distinguished. Among them face lapping are the most widespread lapping processes. They are used to produce a smooth, flat, unpolished surface. The process of lapping materials has been applied to a wide range of materials and applications, ranging from metals, glasses, optics, semiconductors and ceramics. Workpiece material properties and structure determine kind of material removal. Material removal by cutting, microfusion processes and material removal by microdeformation or by the induction of microcracks are to be underline. C45 is a medium carbon steel used when greater strength and hardness is desired than in the "rolled" condition, especially in mechanical engineering and automotive components. To minimize wear in high-speed applications requires extreme size accuracy, straightness and concentricity. To meet those high demands turning, grinding, lapping and polishing processes are used. This work presents results of steel C45 elements lapping. The experiments were conducted during flat lapping with use of ABRALAP 380 lapping machine. The lapping machine executory system consists of three conditioning rings. The process results were surface roughness Ra and material removal rate.