Plate Facing and Grooving Technology

Your Key to Ultra-Precision Lapping & Polishing

Maintaining a flat and evenly textured composite lap plate is critical for stable lapping performance. Traditionally this is achieved with a diamond plated conditioning ring, requiring a high level of operator experience and skill. To improve this process, Engis has engineered a solution that helps take the ‘art’ out of lapping, the Facing/Grooving Device.

Using a diamond tool bit, this innovative device removes the top layer of the composite plate, making it flat to within microns. A groove pattern can be machined in a second pass. It is even possible to create a tapered plate to produce slightly convex/concave surfaces. When the device is not in use, it retracts out of the work zone.

Plate Facing Advantages:

Consistent plate shape (flat or tapered)
Long lasting, consistent plate texture
Increased stock removal rate
Improved lapping performance stability
Improved ergonomics, no need to lift heavy rings

With predictable plate surface topography, groove pattern and controlled velocity and pressure, the entire lapping process becomes easier to manage and your results are more repeatable. Also, this unit is operator-friendly and eliminates the strain of lifting conditioning rings onto the plate.

The facing/grooving device is an option that can be added to most Hyprez lapping machines at the time the machine is ordered.

Having Problems with Variable Lapping Rates?

Control Plate Flatness and Texture

The lapping plate is a key component of any lapping system and is often overlooked as an important variable.

The shape of the lapping plate influences the geometry of the parts being processed and contributes to achievable surface finish and lapping rates. Plate flatness is key to part flatness.
Lapping plates provide support in applying abrasive to the surface of the work piece in fixed, semi-fixed or free lapping modes. Predictable, repeatable plate texture is vital to abrasive action.
Controlling the groove pattern (macro texture) and lands (micro texture) of the plate surface allows for greater consistency in removal rates and surface finishes. A consistent bearing ratio means consistent unit load.

COLORED HIGHLIGHTS REPRESENT PLA?TE BEARING AREA

Lap Plate Facing & Grooving Device