Did you know that standard Flex-Hone® tools come in 8 different abrasive types and 11 grit sizes? Two specialty abrasives (CBN and ceramic) are available upon request, and are designed for harder materials.
From aluminum oxide (AO) abrasive to levigated alumina (LA) abrasive, flexible honing tools provide plenty of choices. Which abrasive type and grit size is right for your surface finishing or deburring application?
Remember These Rules
When selecting a flexible cylinder hone, there are two rules to remember. First, the base material of the workpiece determines which Flex-Hone® abrasive to use. Second, the amount of work to perform and the degree of surface improvement that’s required determine the grit size. The lower the grit, the coarser and more aggressive the Flex-Hone®. For the finest finish, use the highest available grit.
Now that you know the basics, let's take a look at the 8 types of standard abrasives and their available grit sizes.
Aluminum Oxide Flex-Hone® Tools
Use aluminum oxide (AO) Flex-Hone® tools to surface finish and deburr aluminum, brass, bronze, and softer metals. These BRM ball hones are available in the following grit sizes: 20, 40, 60, 80, 120, 180, 240, 320, 400, 600, and 800. For deglazing Nikasil engine cylinders, use 240-AO flexible hones.
Boron Carbide Flex-Hone® Tools
Use boron carbide (BC) Flex-Hone® tools to surface finish and deburr medium carbon steels, high carbon steels, heat-treated steels to 50 Rc, and titanium. BC flexible hones are available in the following grit sizes: 20, 40, 60, 80, 120, 180, 240, 320, 400, 600, and 800.
Diamond Flex-Hone® Tools
Use diamond Flex-Hone® tools to surface finish and deburr carbide, ceramic, hardened tool steel, and other hard materials. These diamond abrasive honing tools are specified by mesh instead of by grit size. Choose 170/200, 800, or 2500 diamond tools, depending on your surface finishing and deburring requirements.
Levigated Alumina Flex-Hone® Tools
Use levigated alumina Flex-Hone® tools to impart a final polish on many different materials. These flexible cylinder hones are available only in extra-fine grit.
Silicon Caribe Flex-Hone® Tools
Use silicon carbide Flex-Hone® tools to surface finish and deburr cast iron, mild steel, and stainless steel. These flexible cylinder hones are available in the following grit sizes: 20, 40, 60, 80, 120, 180, 240, 320, 400, 600, and 800. Three grit sizes (120, 180, and 240) are standard for SC ball hones.
Tungsten Caribe Flex-Hone® Tools
Use tungsten carbide (WC) Flex-Hone® tools to surface finish and deburr high carbon steel alloys and more exotic space age alloys. These BRM ball hones are available in the following grit sizes: 20, 40, 60, 80, 120, 180, 240, and 320. With WC Flex-Hone® tools, choose either 100% WC or a 50/50 blend.
Alumina Zirconia Flex-Hone® Tools (No. 1525)
Use alumina zirconia (Z25) No. 1525 Flex-Hone® tools to surface finish and deburr cast iron, low carbon steels, medium carbon steels, and stainless steel. Z-Grain No. 1525 is 25% zirconia and 75% alumina, and provides longer tool life than SC abrasive. These Z25 ball hones come in five grit sizes: 60, 80, 120, 180, and 240.
Zirconia Alumina Flex-Hone Tools (No. 1549)
Use alumina zirconia (Z49) No. 1549 Flex-Hone® tools to surface finish and deburr cast iron, low carbon steels, medium carbon steels, and stainless steel. Z-Grain No. 1549 is 40% zirconia and 60% alumina, and provides longer tool life than SC abrasive. These Z49 ball hones come in four grit sizes: 120, 180, 240, and 320.
Get the Flex-Hone® Resource Guide
For surface finishing, deburring, and cylinder wall deglazing, there’s a Flex-Hone® tool that’s right for the job. But which size Flex-Hone® do you need? Then, after your get your ball hone, what’s the best way to use it?
Download the Flex-Hone® Resource Guide for answers to these and other questions. This free, full-color, 16-page guide also contains part number and ordering information.
