/ #1 in Honing Techniques

Honing

For perfect cylinders and internal surfaces. If cylindricality, roughness and longevity are crucial, honing is often the best solution.

BO-Solutions hones cylinders, precision hydraulic parts and bearing bushes to the nearest 5 microns, with a controlled surface ready for use.

/ Perfect fit, every time

WHAT IS HONING AND when is this process appropriate?

Honing of precision parts at BO-Solutions to achieve dimensional accuracy and surface quality

Honing is a fine machining for the inside of holes and cylinders. With rotating, oscillating grinding stones, material is removed in a very controlled manner.

Unlike drilling or reaming, honing not only corrects the size, but also:

  • The cylindricity (roundness over the full length)
  • The roughness of the surface (Ra value)
  • The bearing pattern & cross grinding pattern for optimal lubrication

The result:

Cylinders that are nicely round, tightly sized and ideal in use, for example for seals, pistons, bearings or hydraulic applications. 

Moreover, honing is often more affordable than inner grinding, while the quality is just as high or even better for many applications.

/ All about Honing

TECHNICAL CAPACITY OF OUR HONING MACHINE

We combine measurable precision with practical efficiency.

Range & accuracy:

  • Hole diameter: 3 to 180 mm
  • Cilindricity: achievable up to approx. ± 0.002 mm
  • Surface roughness: Ra 0.1 – 0.8 μm
  • Tolerance class: IT6–IT7

This makes honing ideal for critical diameter fits where a standard drilling or turning operation is not sufficient.

Process characteristics:

  • Oscillating machining with grinding stones
  • Short set-up time and fast machining
  • Characteristic cross-grinding pattern that improves lubrication
  • Corrects deviations in shape and size of existing holes

This way, cylinders not only get the right size, but also the right surface and carrying image.

WHEN DO YOU CHOOSE HONING?

Honing is designated when:

  • You want to edit economic series from a few pieces
  • Cylindricity and surface quality are priorities
  • You opt for a fast turnaround time 
  • Cost optimization is looking for fine grinding or other finishing operations

Applications:

  • Hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders
  • Bearing and guide bushes
  • Housing bores with precise fit
  • Remanufacturing of existing cylinders that need to be re-customized

Are you hesitating between honing and internal grinding? We think along with you from your application and provide honest, technically substantiated advice.

/ Request a quote

WORKING WITH BO-SOLUTIONS FOR THE BEST HONING RESULT

Honing cylinders or finishing internal holes?

Do you have a part where the inside really has to be right – both in terms of size and surface? We look at your part and advise whether honing, cylindrical grinding or a combination is the best approach.

You can contact us for:

  • Fully finished parts where the bore still needs to be honed
  • Pre-machined cylinders from in-house or external production
  • Existing components for remanufacturing or remanufacturing

Simply upload your drawing, photo or 3D model via the contact form for a quick quote

  •  Technical questions: mail to [email protected]  

  • Urgent question? 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 honing

What is honing?

Honing is a fine machining process for the inside of holes and cylinders. With rotating, oscillating grinding stones, the surface is evened out and precisely cut to size. The process improves roundness, cylindricity and roughness, creating a cross-grinding pattern that benefits lubrication.

In honing a tool with grinding stones is introduced into the bore. As the tool rotates and moves up and down, small amounts of material are removed. The pressure, speed and grain are matched to:

  • The size and tolerance required
  • The desired Ra value
  • The type of material

This creates a very even surface that is perfectly suited for seals, pistons, bearings and guides.

Cylinder honing is done as:

  • The bore must be exactly round and straight over the full length
  • The seal or fit is critical (e.g., piston gasket, bearing fit)
  • You need a certain level of roughness and bearing pattern
  • You want to increase the life of the part through better lubrication and less wear

In short: you hone cylinders when "about right" is not enough, and you want to be sure that the inside is measurably perfect.