The Importance of Diamond Lapping and Polishing Systems in Aerospace Engineering

The aerospace industry is continuously pushing the boundaries of material science, leading to a need for ever harder materials. This has resulted in an increasing demand for precision geometries and finishes that can only be achieved through the use of the most precise abrasives. Kemet International Ltd. has developed a range of diamond lapping and polishing systems that are widely used throughout the aircraft and aerospace industries in both OEM and maintenance applications. These systems offer the most efficient and reliable method of producing precision flat, polished surfaces required for the aerospace industry.

Kemet’s ISO assured diamond abrasives enable precision lapping of aircraft components to be carried out in both production and service environments. Each slurry or compound is a specific concentration of graded diamond powder blended with a chemical carrier to achieve optimum stock removal and surface finish, ease of cleaning, temperature resistance, and lubricity.

The lapping of hydraulic parts, engine seals, bearings, and metal-to-metal faced seals on pumps and valves can be accomplished using a diverse selection of flat lapping machines. By simply adding a Kemet composite annular grooved plate, precise shoulder lapping of gear faces can also be achieved. Diamond lapping and polishing techniques, including the use of Kemet’s portable hand lap kits and Helilaps, are highly effective in lapping intricate internal faces and diameters of landing gear components, as well as other aviation subassemblies.

Through diamond lapping and polishing, pump, valve, and engine seals made from materials like Tungsten Carbide, Stellite, Ceramic, Silicon Carbide, Carbon, and Brass can achieve a flatness of two to three light bands (<0.001mm) even under production conditions.

Kemet offers a wide range of products from Deburring to Passivation for Aerospace Engineering & Surface Finishing. This allows them to provide turnkey solutions to meet the needs of the aerospace industry.

Kemet’s diamond lapping and polishing systems are widely used in aerospace engineering due to their ability to provide the highest level of precision and consistency, which is crucial in the aerospace industry.