(57) A microfinishing apparatus and method is disclosed particularly useful for microfinishing
workpiece surfaces such as are found in journal bearings and cylinder bores. This
invention improves over conventional machines and methods wherein coated abrasive
tape is brought into contact with a relatively rotating workpiece surface and is pressed
against that surface by an elastomeric plastic insert. According to this invention,
the insert is made from a relatively rigid substance such as honing material stone.
Since the insert is made from a rigid material, the insert surface shape is generated
in the workpiece surface and therefore geometry corrections in the workpiece surface
can be accomplished. In alternate embodiments of this invention, the rigid inserts
have relieved portions or noncylindrical surfaces such that a desired surface profile
in the workpiece surface is generated. In another embodiment, one or more flexible
inserts are added to the rigid insert enabling the fillet radius area to be microfinished.
In yet another embodiment, coated abrasive tape includes a multiplicity of perforations
thereby permitting the exchange of cutting fluids between the surfaces. Finally, several
means for supporting the rigid inserts for slight rotation relative to the workpiece
surface are described.
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