External hone and method of making and using the same

Abstract

A honing member for use in honing the external cylindrical surface of a workpiece comprising an elongated annular member having a passageway extending the entire length therethrough, the inner annular surface of such passageway having abrasive particles attached directly thereto or formed integrally therewith, the inner annular surface being substantially cylindrical in shape and having at least one tapered portion adjacent one end portion of the honing member, and a slot formed through one side portion of the annular member extending the full length thereof to facilitate expansion and contraction thereof to radially adjust the diameter of the inner surface of the annular member. In a preferred embodiment, the present honing member is formed through the use of an electroplating or electro-forming process using a forming mandrel, and the inner annular surface of such honing member includes at least two tapered abrasive portions and a substantially cylindrical portion which establishes the final diameter to which the external cylindrical surface of a workpiece will be honed. Attaching or integrally forming the abrasive particles directly onto the inner surface of the honing member facilitates the dissipation of heat generated during a honing operation and provides a better support platform for the abrasive particles thereby increasing both the longevity of the honing member as well as the accuracy and consistency of honing cylindrical workpiece surfaces to very precise tolerances. Several embodiments of the present honing member are disclosed herein including several methods of manufacture, several methods of using the present honing members, and several mounting fixtures capable of supporting the present honing members in either a horizontal or a vertical honing position.