Everything You Need to Know About Hydraulic Cylinder Honing

The honing process assumes tremendous importance in the industry. The process involves micro finishing to yield perfect hole geometry.

Due to the cruciality of the process, honing machines have gained tremendous importance in the industry. And the machines create the final sizing and the necessary finishing pattern on the interior of tubing or cylinder bores.

Again, there could be nothing wrong in calling the honing process a machining process due to the involvement of microchips removal.

In the honing process, an essential tool known as the honing stone is used in the honing process.

The Fundamentals of the Honing Process

Regardless of what the industry insiders or outsiders say, the concept involved in the honing process is simple.

It will be enough for you to regard the process as a means to make perfect bore geometry, size control, surface structuring, and final surface finish.  

In addition, the process entails final sizing and the desired finish pattern on the interior of tubing or cylinder bores.

Digging a bit deeper, the term ‘honing’ is a derivative of the word—hone. 

Viewed from a different angle, it appears the honing process as an abrasive method for finishing previously machined surfaces like drilled or bored holes.

In the honing process, a hone or honing stone is used as a tool. And, that is a bonded abrasive stone, which is used for correcting the diameter, surface finish, shape, and positional tolerances of bores.

It is a slow abrading process, which involves removal of material at lower cutting speeds. Moreover, the process reduces heat and pressure, resulting in effective control over the size and geometry.

The process can fix holes of less than 0.001 inches, which is a difficult machining process in manufacturing.

In simple terms, the honing process is the production of a very fine surface on a workpiece with an abrasive tool. 

Hydraulic cylinders must be honed since the operation of the pistons is dependent on the cylinder having a very fine surface finish, which can also avoid early wear of moving components.

In addition, honing also forms a tight seal around a hydraulic cylinder, extending its life and preventing costly leaks.

The Working Mechanism of Hydraulic Cylinders

Hydraulic system components in hydraulic cylinders usually are built in pairs. And, each pair encloses a piston, and one is smaller than the other. 

A hydraulic fluid, such as oil, is partially filled in the cylinders. And, the fluid can be transmitted within the cylinders through a connecting pipe that is perpendicular between the cylinders.

When the system is turned on, the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder with the smaller piston is pumped under pressure via the pipe into the other cylinder, causing the larger of the pistons to move with more force. The system can exert enough force to lift, push, or pull huge weights by using cylinders of various sizes.

Importance of Honing for Hydraulics

The importance of honing in hydraulics arises from its need in surface preparation for hydraulic systems, preventing hydraulic failures. 

Given the benefits, the honing process improves efficiency, lifespan, and precision of hydraulic systems.

Here are the key benefits of honing:

#1. Increases Piston Efficiency

Pistons in hydraulic systems undergo significant strain, as they are subjected to continuous operation.

Therefore, it becomes necessary to protect them from friction, premature wear, and fluid resistance. Without adequate protection, the pistons will not work efficiently. 

 With surface honing of the cylinder, you can considerably increase the lifespan of the pistons in addition to increasing tolerances during operations. 

#2. Lower Component Failures

Hydraulic component failures can take a toll on the business. Such failures could result in a hydraulic cylinder repair or rebuild. As such, these failures are expensive and inconvenient. Moreover, the failures can also compromise the safety of customers in some industries, such as aerospace. 

The honing process ensures irregularity-free surfaces of critical components. In the absence of which, the surface metal will wear unevenly. 

Again, the process also slows down the wear and tear of honed piston, as the honing process smoothens the movements within hydraulic cylinders.

#3. Streamlining Fluid Transmission

In hydraulic machining equipment, streamlined transmission of the hydraulic fluid between cylinders is a must for obtaining effective system operation. With a honed tube, the inefficiencies are eliminated in hydraulic cylinder.

Also, the process leaves behind a smooth surface to allow fast and consistent transmission of fluid through the system.

#4. Facilitate Accurate Metalwork Inspections

Inspection of the hydraulic system can be more accurate due to the honing process. As the process highlights flaws and deficiencies, such as scratches or dents, the inspection becomes easy. And, it is understandable that the presence of such issues could render the system susceptible to failure.

Due to the clear view of the issues, inspection personnel can formulate and implement the best corrective action, such as further honing, refurbishing or replacing the affected part.

The Need to Hone Hydraulic Cylinders

Leaks set off the need to repair cylinders. When leaks develop, contaminants can enter into the cylinders. And that is a potential risk, as that can result in developing scratches and other irregularities in the cylinder wall. And these can result in seal wear to cause internal leaks. 

When leakages develop, they can lead to a shorter service life apart from reduced performance.

However, honing solves all these problems. The honing process entails a secure seal, smooth operation, and extended seal life for hydraulic cylinders. 

Honing Advantages

In short, the honing process entails the following advantages:

• Increased lubrication
• Correction in geometrical issues
• Longer seal lifespan
• Uniform wear

Why Choose SABTECH’s Honing Services?

If you are looking for a company providing the services of honing of hydraulic cylinders tube in Saudi Arabia, you can choose SABTECH.

Given the reputation, the company is the provider of the best hydraulic system repair services in Saudi Arabia.

With extensive experience, and technical competency, the company has carved out a niche of its own in the honing services arena of the kingdom.

Conclusion

The hydraulic cylinder honing process is a crucial procedure in the hydraulics systems industry. It helps in preventing component failures or leaks, streamlining business operations. Therefore, you should not undermine its need if you belong to the hydraulic systems industry.