Honing with increase in the cutting speed

The honing methods with constant tool speed currently employed do not fully utilize the potential of each abrasive grain and the tool as a whole in producing high surface quality [1, 2, etc.]. Variation in speed of the honing head is proposed to permit more complete utilization of the tool’s potential, reduce tool wear, and improve the quality of the honed surface. The azimuthal velocity v o (cutting speed) increases throughout the machining cycle, within specified limits, while retaining constant velocity v re of the reciprocating motion [3]. This method of honing employs an E1-8001 frequency converter included in the power system of the three-phase electric motor that turns the honing head. In combination with the control unit, this converter permits continuous increase in frequency of the alternating current and hence in the motor speed, throughout the machining cycle. At the beginning of the cycle, the starting switch 5 is closed, and voltage is applied to frequency converter 3 (Fig. 1). At the same time, control unit 4 is automatically turned on, and honing begins. In this process, control unit 4 continuously changes the ac frequency within specified limits, with corresponding variation in the speed of electric motor 1 , which drives the honing head.