What is lapping process

The method of lapping is carried out primarily to increase accuracy.

What is lapping?

Lapping is a finish machining process in which two surfaces are rubbed together with an abrasive between them by manually or using a machine that used to producing geometrically real surfaces, correcting minor surface imperfections, improving dimensional precision, or making two contact surfaces very close to each other.

Material removal in lapping usually range from 0.003 to 0.03 mm but in many cases it reaches up to 0.08 to 0.1 mm.

Other important advantages of this process have obtained the correction of minor surface imperfections and improvement of surface finish.

Abrasives that used in the lapping process

• Al₂O₃ & SiC
• Cr₂O₃
• B₄C₃
• Diamond 

Factors to consider in Lapping Process 

• Type of material being processed
• Speed of plate
• Pressure on work-piece
• Plate material
• Size and type of abrasive
• Vehicle used
• Flatness of plate
• Feed system
• Method of charging and conditioning the plate
• Plate temperature

It is the process that is performed either manually or by machine. Hand-lapping is done with abrasive powder as a lapping medium and in the machine, lapping is done with abrasive powder or bonded abrasive wheel.

Conclusion 

Lapping is simple yet a beneficial process that can produce highly polished parts end, tight end and thickness tolerance, and flatness unbelievable by other processes. 

Explore more information:

1. What is Honing