Overview
Crosshole and slot deburring is a critical function for the metalworking industry, where intersecting holes and small slots commonly have burrs remaining after machining, drilling, or milling. These burrs (undesired sharp projections of material) may have compromising effects on component performance by interfering with part fit, inducing stress risers, or leading to premature wear or failure. For applications in aerospace, automotive, hydraulic systems, medical devices, firearms, and general-purpose machining, achieving precise internal finishing is critical for functionality, safety, and meeting strict requirements.
Typical applications such as valve bodies, hydraulic manifold, fuel rail, injectors, and firearm receiver are characterized by complicated internal geometries (cross-drilled holes and narrow slots). Effective deburring in these areas is crucial to avoiding flow restrictions, preventing contamination from metal debris, and giving the sealing surfaces or moving parts the best possible chance to work effectively.
Compared to manual deburring, automated deburring tools allow work to be done more consistently and more accurately at a faster rate, reducing labor and improving cost efficiency. Rather than rely on manual methods, which can be inconsistent in quality and hard on workers’ bodies, automated deburring delivers greater productivity, minimizes human errors and improves the overall quality of parts – especially high-volume or precision-dependent applications. They are also a safer means of operation, reducing operator exposure to dangerous, sharp edges and repetitive motion injuries.
FLEX-HONE® for Crosshole and Slot Deburring
A versatile and highly effective tool used in surface finishing processes, the FLEX-HONE® is an ideal choice for deburring and finishing simultaneously, in a single setup.
Featured Benefits Include:
1. Self-Centering, Self-Aligning Design FLEX-HONE® tools are designed with abrasive globules mounted to flexible nylon filament allowing them to self-align with bores and crossholes automatically. This feature is particularly important in intersecting hole applications, where access is limited, and precision is vital.
2. Gentle, Controlled Material Removal Unlike aggressive cutting tools, the FLEX-HONE® applies a low-pressure, resilient abrasive action. It removes burrs and micro-sharp edges without compromising the integrity of the hole or its intersections. This is ideal for deburring hydraulic components, fuel systems, or medical instruments where tolerances are tight and internal surfaces must remain intact.
3. Uniform Surface Finishing FLEX-HONE® tools impart a plateau finish that improves fluid flow, reduces friction, and enhances part cleanliness. In hydraulic and pneumatic systems, this finish extends seal life and reduces the risk of contamination-induced failure.
4. Versatile Material Compatibility Available in a wide range of abrasive types (silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, ceramic, diamond, etc.), these tools are compatible with ferrous and non-ferrous metals, making them a go-to for various industries.
5. Ease of Use – Manual or Automated FLEX-HONE® tools can be used with in virtually any rotating spindle including electric drills, drill presses, lathes, or CNC machines, offering flexibility for both low-volume maintenance work and high-volume production environments.