Can Deep Hole Drilling and Honing Be Done on One Machine?
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Can Deep Hole Drilling and Honing Be Done on One Machine?
Many customers want one machine to complete both deep hole drilling and honing. It sounds simple, but in real manufacturing, these two processes are very different.
First, They Do Different Jobs
Deep hole drilling is used to create the hole. It removes a large amount of metal and forms the basic bore.
Deep hole honing is used after the hole already exists. Its purpose is to improve accuracy, roundness, straightness and surface finish.
In simple words: drilling makes the hole, honing perfects the hole.
Deep Hole Drilling Machine / Workshop Photo
Deep Hole Drilling
- Creates the hole from solid material
- Removes large amounts of metal
- Requires high cutting force
- Uses gun drilling or BTA drilling tools
- Needs high-pressure coolant for chip removal
Deep Hole Honing
- Finishes an existing bore
- Removes only a small amount of material
- Improves bore accuracy and surface finish
- Uses expanding honing stones
- Requires clean oil and fine filtration
A drilling machine is designed for power and chip removal. A honing machine is designed for precision and surface quality. One machine structure cannot easily satisfy both requirements.
Honing Head / Cross-Hatch Surface / Hydraulic Cylinder Bore
The Movement Is Also Different
During drilling, the tool rotates and moves forward continuously. The goal is to cut metal efficiently.
During honing, the honing head rotates and moves back and forth inside the bore. This creates the cross-hatch surface needed for hydraulic cylinder sealing.
Without this reciprocating motion, real honing cannot be achieved.
Typical Process for Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturing
For long hydraulic cylinder tubes, most manufacturers use a separate process route to ensure stable quality.
Deep Hole Drilling or Boring
Create the basic internal hole.
Semi-Finishing
Correct diameter and prepare for final finishing.
Deep Hole Honing
Improve accuracy, surface finish and sealing performance.
Why Not Use One Combined Machine?
To combine drilling and honing, the machine would need two different tooling systems, two coolant systems, different motion controls and different accuracy structures.
The machine cost would become close to buying two separate machines. Tool change, oil cleaning and machine adjustment would also reduce production efficiency.
Production Line / Hydraulic Cylinder Processing Photo
FAQ
Can drilling and honing be done at the same time?
No. Drilling and honing are different processes with different tool movements and machine structures.
Is there a machine that combines drilling and honing?
Some special machines exist for short holes, but they are generally not suitable for long deep holes.
Which process comes first?
Drilling or boring must be completed first. Honing is the final finishing process.
Why do hydraulic cylinder manufacturers use separate machines?
Because separate machines provide better stability, accuracy, surface finish and production efficiency.
Wang Guangsheng
President | Dezhou Guanghe Machine Tool Co., Ltd.
30+ Years in Deep Hole Machining Industry
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Can Deep Hole Drilling and Hon
Can Deep Hole Drilling and Hon