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Cross-hole
deburring removes the burrs that are created when manufacturers and
machinists cross-drill intersecting holes on metal parts. Removing these ragged
edges, raised areas, particles, protrusions, and shavings improves part function
and quality. Because metal burrs can cause part misalignments, cross-hole deburrring
supports the smooth operation of machinery and mechanical systems. Burr removal
also promotes plant safety and production efficiency. Operators who handle machined
parts or blanks with burrs risk injury, and poor surface finish quality on
machine components can impede production.
What's the best way to remove burrs from cross-drilled holes
then? First, you'll need to select the right tool for the job. Next, you'll
need to follow suggested operating parameters and best practices.
Choose the Right Cross-Hole Deburring
Tool for the Job
The Flex-Hone tool from Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM)
is a flexible, resilient honing tool that removes burrs from cross-drilled
holes and improves surface finish at the same time. Known also as a ball hone,
the BRM Flex-Hone
features abrasive globules that are permanently laminated to flexible nylon
filaments. These abrasive globules or balls provide a soft cutting action that
removes burrs from cylinder walls while leaving the base metal undisturbed.
BRM supplies Flex-Hone tools in 8 different abrasive types
and 11 different options in diameters from 4-mm to 36" for use with a wide
variety of base materials and surface finish requirements. The Flex-Hone
Resource Guide explains how to select the right cross-hole deburring tool
for your application, and also provides suggested operating parameters. Flexible
honing does not require specialized training, but it's important to follow best
practices for optimal results.
Follow Best Practices for Deburring
Cross-Drilled Holes
Flexible hones have a wire stem for use with most any
rotating spindle. With CNC equipment, the tool is secured with a Jacobs-style
collet that's clamped directly to the stem wire. BRM's cross-hole deburring
tools are used also in lathes, mills, drill presses, and electric hand drills. As
this YouTube video
shows, an operator can easily chuck a Flex-Hone into a standard 3/8" or 1/2"
drill motor on cordless drill. As the Flex-Hone
Resource Guide explains, power requirements are a function of horsepower.
Stroke rate is a function of flexible hone diameter, stroke, and cross-hatch
angle specification (if any).
When deburring cross-drilled holes with the Flex-Hone, BRM
recommends that you first stroke and rotate the tool in a clockwise direction.
Then remove the cylinder
hone from the bore, reverse the spindle, and stroke and rotate in a
clockwise direction. This promotes a more symmetrical deburring pattern and
prevents the burr from folding back into the cross-hole. During cross-hole
deburring, and with any Flex-Hone operation (such as cylinder wall deglazing),
always use a lubricant or good-quality honing oil.
This prevents tool loading, and ensures the exposure of fresh cutting
particles.
Learn More About Deburring at PMTS
2015
Are you headed to the Precision Machine Technology Show
(PMTS 2015) in Columbus, Ohio later this month? From April 21 to April 23, the
BRM Technical team will be in Booth
#1223 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. You can also learn about solving deburring
challenges at this PTMS Educational Session on Tuesday, April 21 from 8:15 to
9:15 AM. BRM's Jonathan Borden will provide a presentation you won't want to
miss, so be sure to add
this session to your show planner.
Author's Note: This CR4 blog entry originally appeared in
the BRM
Flex-Hone Blog.
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