Selecting Tool Diameter
Tool diameter is determined by the nominal bore size in which the tool is to operate. The Flex-Hone® tool is always produced and used in an oversized condition. The degree of oversize creates a soft cutting action. For example, a 1" Flex-Hone size is ordered if a 1" bore is to be finished and the tool is provided oversized. If the bore size is between standard Flex-Hone sizes, the next larger standard Flex-Hone should be selected. For instance, if the nominal bore is 1.093", then the 1-1/8" Flex-Hone is ordered.
Selecting Abrasive Type
| If the base material is: |
Brush Research Suggests: |
| mild steel, stainless steel and cast iron |
Silicon Carbide (SC) |
| Aluminum, brass, bronze and softer metals. For Deglazing Nikasil cylinders, we suggest 240 AO |
Aluminum Oxide |
| Low carbon to medium carbon steels, stainless steel and cast iron. |
Zirconia Alumina(Z-Grain). Z-Grain is also beneficial when you are looking for longer tool life than Silicon Carbide (SC) |
| Medium to high carbon steels and heat-treated steels to 50 Rc. It is also useful in Titanium, Inconel and Monel. |
Boron Carbide (BC) |
| High carbon steel alloys and more exotic space age alloys |
Tungsten Carbide (WC) |
| For a final polish on many materials |
Levigated Alumina (LA) |
| For carbide, ceramic, hardened tool steel and heat treated steels. |
Diamond (D) |
Selecting Grit
The amount of work to be performed and the degree of surface finish improvement required govern grit selection. Coarse finishes may require progressively finer Flex-Hones to meet final surface finish requirements. In very general terms, final finish will be in the following ranges.
Grit Finish Range
800-LA Ra 3-10 (.05 - .2 Micrometer)
600 Ra 8-12 (.2 - .3 Micrometer)
400 Ra 10-20 (.3 - .6 Micrometer)
320 Ra 18-30 (.5 - .7 Micrometer)
240 Ra 24-32 (.6 - .8 Micrometer)
180 Ra 30-40 (.7 - 1.0 Micrometer)
120 Ra 35-50 (.9 -1.4 Micrometer)
80 Ra 45-64 (1.2 - 1.6 Micrometer)
60 Ra 60-80 (1.5 - 2 Micrometer)
40 Ra 70-125 (1.7 to 3.2 Micrometers)
20 Ra 125-250 (3.2 to 6.3 Micrometers)
PLEASE NOTE: These guidelines are intended to offer a starting point in selecting a grit but the final selection must be verified by actual trial. For more information on suggested RPMs, stroke rates and lubrications, please read our
Flex-Hone® Resource Guide.
