/ Finest finishing technique

Lapping

For mirror-smooth surfaces and extreme accuracy. When classic grinding or milling operations fall short, the solution is to leak.

BO-Solutions laps metals and PEEK parts to optical surface, mirror-smooth and measurable within fractions of a micrometer, ideal for seals, sliding surfaces and optical applications.

/ Micro-precise finish

LAPPING: when perfection is the question

Lapping of precision parts for high flatness and surface quality at BO-Solutions

Lapping is an ultra-fine machining process in which two surfaces move past each other using a special lapping medium. The result is a flatness and roughness that goes beyond standard grinding or milling.

You choose lapping when:

  • A seal must be 100% reliable
  • Gliding behavior must remain predictable and quiet
  • Optical purity or visual perfection must
  • Minimal shape error and maximum flatness are crucial

This process is used for mechanical seals, bearing seats, sliding plates, optical precision parts, mold parts and high-end tooling.

From functional flatness to visual perfection: we deliver tangible and measurable precision. Time and time again.

TECHNICAL CAPACITY OF OUR LAPPING MACHINE

We combine precision engineering knowledge with strict process control.

Lapping machine specifications

  • Max. workpiece diameter: 240 mm
  • Flatness: up to 0.005 mm (0.5 um)
  • Surface roughness: Ra 0.01 μm achievable
  • Parallelism: extremely precise, suitable for critical mating surfaces

Process control

In order to consistently achieve these values, we actively manage the entire process:

  • Temperature control for dimensional stability
  • Vibration damping for a homogeneous surface appearance
  • Continuous monitoring of lapping pressure, time and speed
  • Real-time inspection for flatness and roughness

That is lapping at BO-Solutions, a fully measurable and repeatable process.

/ precision that you see and feel

MATERIAL AND APPLICATION EXPERTISE

Lapping only delivers top results when material, lapping stone and medium are perfectly matched to each other – exactly where our expertise makes the difference.

Metals

  • Hardened steel up to 65 HRC
  • Stainless steel
  • Aluminum
  • Bronze
  • Carbide for extreme wear resistance

Plastic

  • PEEK for demanding, high-performance applications

Other materials can be evaluated on request.
We advise you on which material and which post-processing is best suited to your application – from sealing surface to optical carrier.

WHEN LAPPING IS THE RIGHT CHOICE

Not every part needs or can be lapped, but in the right application, lapping makes the difference between acceptable and exceptional.

Lapping is indicated when:

  • A surface must be mirror-smooth and flat
  • There are contact surfaces where leakage or wear is unacceptable
  • You need a wear-resistant sliding surface with controlled contact
  • You want to improve or restore existing parts without sacrificing geometry

We always look at first:

  • The function of the surface
  • The required roughness (Ra) and flatness
  • The combination with other operations (grinding, milling, EDM, ...)

We then evaluate whether lapping is the most efficient and reliable finishing step.

/ Request a quote

PARTNERING WITH BO-SOLUTIONS TO LAPPING

How does a process work?

  • You provide us with a drawing, 3D model, photo or existing part via this contact form
  • We analyze function, material and tolerances
  • We analyze whether lapping, grinding or a combination is the best approach
  • You will receive a clear proposal with achievable values for flatness and roughness

Our expertise can be used in every phase of the process:

  • As a final processing step on new parts
  • In overhaul and remanufacturing projects
  • In trial and development phases where you want to test boundaries

Lapping for critical areas?

Do you have a part where the seal, sliding behavior or optical quality does not allow a millimeter of play?

We think along with you about manufacturability, tolerances and the correct processing order, so that lapping yields maximum returns, for you.

Technical questions: mail to [email protected] or call us +32 51 24 89 32

Technical questions? Contact us

Direct contact: +32 51 24 89 32 // [email protected]

/ Help & support

Frequently asked questions about Lapping

What is lapping?

Lapping is a precision fine machining process in which two surfaces move past each other with a lapping stone and a granular medium (lapping paste). The aim is to create a very flat, smooth and dimensionally accurate surface, often with values down to the micrometre. It is used for parts where sealing, sliding behavior or optical quality are extremely important.

With lapping, the workpiece is placed on a lapping plate or in a carrier. Between workpiece and plate comes a lapping paste with fine grains. Through a controlled combination of:

  • Busy
  • Motion (Rotating and Oscillating Sliding)
  • Time and grain size

Material is removed very evenly. Unevenness disappears, peaks are flattened, and a mirror-smooth, flat surface is created with minimal shape error.

Lapping is therefore ideal as the last step after grinding or milling, when maximum accuracy is required.