New Bore Finishing Machine ‘Laps’ the Field on Productivity

The multistage, automated SVL-2115 laps and air-gages bores in one setup

Published: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 - 16:25

(Sunnen: St. Louis, MO) -- Sunnen’s new SVL-2115 automated lapping machine brings increased productivity and part consistency to what is traditionally a manual process. Based on the same machine platform as the SV-2100 honing system, the SVL-2115 provides single-setup processing of hydraulic valves, sleeves, fuel system components, and other parts that are prone to distortion when honed. 

The walkaway system uses an index table to automatically lap and air-gage bores throughout the cycle. Gage readings are fed back to the control, and the cycle is repeated until the parts are within spec.

“Automated lapping is more consistent than manual, and there are fewer workers with the skills necessary for precision manual lapping,” says Phil Hanna, product manager at Sunnen. “For expensive parts an automatic lapping process reduces the possibility of ruined parts due to human error. Since lapping is usually the last process during the machining of a workpiece, if the lapping isn’t correct, all the work to get the part produced up to that point is wasted.”

The Sunnen lapping system handles workpiece diameters from 6.5 mm to 20 mm (0.26 in. to 0.70 in.) and lengths up to 12 times the bore diameter, not to exceed 200 mm (7.87 in.). Spindle speed range is 100–2000 rpm during lapping but is capable of slow speeds for nonpowered steps, such as lapping paste application or slow-rotation bore entry. Stroker speed is 0-350 SPM, with stroke length optimized to achieve a high degree of cylindricity.

“This system is a time-saver, and it frees operators to run another machine, or handle other job floor duties,” adds Hanna. “Operators load the workpiece into the fixture and start the lapping cycle, and the cycle ends when the part is in tolerance.”

Sunnen has developed laps and gage probes to accompany this new system, and easy tooling and probe changeovers accommodate frequent changes during the course of a shift. A stack light allows operators to monitor cycle completions or faults from a distance, while a light curtain is standard. The lapping system is available with Sunnen’s new SVF filtration system.

Additional information on the SVL-2115 is available on Sunnen’s website. Or call 1–800–325–3670 or email sales@sunnen.com.

About The Author

Sunnen Products Co.

Sunnen Products Co. has been a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of bore sizing and finishing equipment, engine rebuilding equipment, and tooling and abrasives since 1924. Sunnen provides a broad offering of catalog products and custom engineered solutions with superior service and support to its customers.