Lapping convex surfaces not a mission impossible

Related Vendors

HASCO Hasenclever GmbH + Co KG

Renishaw plc

DIPROFIL Diamantprodukter AB

joke Technology GmbH

Disadvantages of manual lapping

Users soon reach their limits when manually lapping concave and convex surfaces. This is due partly to the fact that extensive experience is required in order to avoid exerting uneven pressure, thereby changing the contour of the workpiece, something only very experienced polishers are capable of.

As a result, many companies need to resort to semi-skilled workers. The burden on health imposed by the demanding pursuit cannot be underestimated – the keyword being white finger syndrome. With a history spanning 75 years, Joke has built a reputation in the field of surface finishing. The company has also been marketing lapping machines for more than 40 years now and is constantly seeking new possibilities and further developments.

Gallery

Joke is offering an interesting in-house solution in the form of a system for high-gloss lapping of convex and concave workpiece surfaces, which can also be retrofitted to existing units. The only personnel required is the company's own fitter.

Special pendulum device to lap convex surfaces

This is made possible by a special pendulum device that can be retrofitted on conventional surface-lapping machines. The pendulum arm can be applied to the workpiece by hand or pneumatically. The pendulum itself moves both axially and radially, dynamically following each concave or convex surface, thereby achieving a smooth surface. It is driven by a laterally mounted drive (electric motor). The workpieces are secured by clamping jaws fixed to the lapping disc. The polishing felt adapts to the curvature by means of its gimballed suspension or by a rubber plate. Smaller felts are used for concave surfaces in order to avoid tilting and resultant irregularities.

The system can be precisely controlled; the speed of movement of the pendulum arm, for example, can be infinitely adjusted. A further important factor is the elongation, which needs to be adapted to the size of the workpiece. This can be controlled by the deflection of the pendulum arm. For instances when the polishing felt protrudes too far over the workpiece, edges could be rounded off – a nightmare for any expert.

(ID:43576164)