Question 1

How should diamond lapping film be used correctly?

Accepted Answer

To use diamond lapping film correctly, remove a strip from the sheet and securely adhere it to the platen, ensuring precise alignment. Utilize an edge-trailing stroke (up and away) technique, which differs from the approach used with diamond stones.

Question 2

Which abrasive materials are commonly used for demanding diamond lapping work?

Accepted Answer

For demanding diamond lapping work, boron carbide is often considered effective because of its aggressive cutting action and high material removal rate. It is commonly used on hard materials such as tungsten carbide, tempered steel, and titanium carbide. The final abrasive selection should still be matched to your workpiece and finish requirement.

Question 3

What is the process of diamond lapping?

Accepted Answer

Diamond lapping is a material removal method using fixed diamond abrasive particles which produce long chips of the component material. The process of making chips with a sharp abrasive grain produces the lowest amount of deformation in the component while giving the highest removal rate.

Question 4

What material is best for lapping?

Accepted Answer

Diamond slurries are often used in precision lapping applications, as they offer several advantages over traditional abrasives such as Alumina or silicon carbide. Diamond particles are harder and more durable than these traditional abrasives, allowing for faster material removal and improved surface finish.

Question 5

How should you choose a diamond lapping fluid for precision finishing?

Accepted Answer

You should choose a diamond lapping fluid that provides stable particle suspension, effective cooling, and consistent lubrication during processing. It should also help reduce residue buildup and support corrosion protection where required. For reliable performance, the fluid concentration should be maintained within the recommended range, and contamination should be monitored regularly.

Question 6

What is the main purpose of the lapping process?

Accepted Answer

The main purpose of the lapping process is to achieve uniformly smooth and flat surfaces on components. This is achieved by selectively removing material from the high points of the surface through controlled interaction with a flat lap plate.

Question 7

What is the standard material removal rate in the lapping process?

Accepted Answer

The lapping process, which is less aggressive than honing, typically removes 0.0005” to 0.005” (0.0127 mm to 0.127 mm) of material. Therefore, the workpiece should be pre-sized as closely as possible to the final dimensions, often through double-disk grinding, before lapping.

Question 8

What is the proper method for cleaning a diamond lapping plate?

Accepted Answer

To clean a diamond lapping plate, evenly apply Bar Keepers Friend using a nylon brush. Gently scrub the plate for one to two minutes, then rinse with warm water while continuing to scrub. Ensure thorough rinsing to remove all residues.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions