Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM) is offering a technical article about how auto mechanics are using flexible hones to surface finish and deglaze the walls of engine cylinders. Professional and DIY mechanics are also using BRM’s Flex-Hone tools for other engine-related, inner diameter (ID) surface finishing applications.
In an online article called Flexible Honing for Engines, BRM explains why Flex-Hone technology is versatile, reliable and easy-to-use. For example, because flexible hones can be used with a handheld electric drill, they do not require special training, expensive equipment or complex setups or clean-ups. A favorite of engine mechanics, these engine hones impart an ideal final surface finish.
Cylinder Wall Surface Finishing
As BRM’s new article explains, Flex-Hone tools are also easy-to-use because they’re self-centering, self-aligning to the bore, and self-compensating for wear. Known as ball hones because of their distinctive appearance, these cylinder-honing tools are made with abrasive globules that are permanently laminated to flexible nylon filaments.
With its low-temperature, low-pressure abrading process, flexible honing produces a substantially flat surface that’s free of jagged peaks and cut, torn or folded metal. The plateau finish that the Flex-Hone imparts features a cross-hatch pattern of oil-retaining valleys for optimum lubrication. As BRM’s new article explains, these ball hones can also be used to break the glaze that forms on cylinder walls.
Resurfacing Engine Components
In Flexible Honing for Engines, BRM also describes how a company called MSB Tuning surface finishes engine components. As the engine tuner explains, BRM ball hones can be used with main bearing tunnels, connecting rods, OHC camshaft tunnels, valve guides, DOHL lifter bores and in-block hydraulic lifter bores. “If there is a hole and I need to surface finish it,” the tuner writes, “I Flex-Hone it.”
On the automotive industry page of its website, BRM confirms the many engine-related uses for its surface finishing tools. For example, in addition to engine cylinders, Flex-Hone technology is used with both wet and dry cylinder liners. Flexible honing tools are also used with cam bearing bores, valve guides, and valve bodies as well as crank bores, piston pin bores and engine liners.
For more information, read Flexible Honing for Engines and then watch this short YouTube video about Flex-Hone tools from Motorz TV. The Flex-Hone® Resource Guide also provides important information about tool selection and use.
Visit http://www.brushresearch.com/ to learn more.
