Estimation of optimum lapping conditions for automated lapping system (estimation of improvement speed of surface roughness for optimum lapping and high lapping efficiency)

The lapping process is one of traditional finishing process for improvement of geometrical tolerance and surface roughness. Most of lapping process is conducted by skilled worker as a manual process at present. So, productivity of this process is very lower than other mechanized process and difficult to control. An automated lapping system and optimized lapping slurry for this system were developed from these reasons. The cemented carbide (V 10) was lapped as mirror-like surface using the system with best condition decided from several pre-experiment. In this study, we propose an estimation approach of limit surface roughness and improvement speed of surface roughness on each material without pre-experiments. The limit surface roughness of lapping theory is compared to experimental value. A time constant of improvement curve of surface roughness is estimated experimentally from lapping conditions. Relationship between initial surface roughness item and limit surface roughness Rzum was researched. Finally, the estimation approach of them was established by confirmed experiment. It is concluded from the result that ; ( 1 ) Limit surface roughness is calculated according to the lapping theory. ( 2 ) Time constant of improvement curve of surface roughness can be also estimated by lapping conditions. ( 3 ) It was become possible to lap without the excess machining and the worsening of form accuracy.