BRM Releases New Flex-Hone® Resource Guide

Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM) invites you to download the new Flex-Hone® Resource Guide for comprehensive information about Flex-Hone selection, suggested RPMs, and much more. This full-color, seven-page guide is easy-to-read guide and packed with tips and insights for manufacturers, machinists, mechanics, and hobbyists alike. Click here to download your free digital copy today.

What are Flexible Hones?

As Flex-Hone® users know, BRM cylinder hones are resilient, flexible honing tools that improve internal surface finish and deburr bores or cylinders. Made with abrasive globules laminated onto the ends of flexible nylon filaments, this honing tool is self-aligning, self-centering and self-compensating for wear. For complete information about BRM flexible hones, download the Flex-Hone® Resource Guide.

Here’s a look at some of what’s inside.    

Tool and Diameter Selection

Diameter is determined by the nominal bore size in which a flexible honing tool will operate. Because the amount of oversize creates a soft cutting action, BRM ball hones are made and used in an oversized condition. For example, if you plan to surface-finish or deburr a cylinder with a nominal bore of 1.093”, order the 1-1/8” ball hone. The Flex-Hone® Resource Guide provides ordering information. 

Abrasive and Grit Selection

Do you know which abrasive to choose for base materials such as mild steels, medium or high carbon steels, exotic space age alloys, and carbides or ceramics? Did you know that coarse finishes may require progressively finer flexible hones to meet final surface finish requirements? The Flex-Hone® Resource Guide contains easy-to-read tables that guide you through both abrasive selection and grit selection.

RPMs and Stroke Rate

Flex-Hone® users know that the BRM cylinder hone is a low RPM tool. The right range of RPMs depends on tool diameter and application, however. Machine trials are needed to verify parameters, but there are general ranges for revolutions per minute (RPM). BRM also offers recommendations for stroke rate in inches per minute (IPM). The Flex-Hone® Resource Guide contains this information.

Lubrication and Setup

Did you know that the Flex-Hone® tool always requires the use of a lubricant or honing oil? Do you know which fluids are safe to use – and which ones to avoid? Even experienced Flex-Hone® users can learn more about optimum lubrication and setup. For example, because the BRM ball hone is self-centering, parts do not require precision fixturing. The Flex-Hone® Resource Guide explains more. 

Power Requirements, Filtration, and FAQs

The power requirements for the BRM Flex-Hone® are a function of tool diameter. As a rule, larger flexible hones require more horsepower (hp) than smaller-diameter tools.  The Flex-Hone® Resource Guide provides suggested ranges, and also describes the importance of using coolant filters with your machine tools. There are also valuable answers in the list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Applications

Finally, the Flex-Hone® Resource Guide provides information and insights about applications such as cylinder deglazing, plateau finishing, and cross-hole deburring. So whether you’re a first-time Flex-Hone® user or have years of experience with surface finishing, the Flex-Hone® Resource Guide is right for you. Click here to download your free digital copy today, or request a hard copy when available.