/ Finest finishing technique

Lapping

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

BO-Solutions finishes metal and PEEK parts to an optically flat, mirror-smooth finish that is measurable within fractions of a micrometer, ideal for seals, sliding surfaces, and optical applications.

/ Micron-precise finish

LAPPING: when perfection is required

Leakage machine at BO-Solutions for ultra-precise flatness – tolerances down to the micrometer

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
  • Sliding behavior must remain predictable and quiet
  • Optical purity or visual perfection is required
  • Minimal form defect and maximum flatness are crucial

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

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

TECHNICAL CAPACITY OF OUR LAPPING MACHINE

We combine precision mechanical expertise with strict process control.

Lapping machine specifications

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

Process control

To consistently achieve those values, we actively manage the entire process:

  • Temperature control for dimensional stability
  • Vibration damping for a homogeneous surface appearance
  • Continuous monitoring of lap 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 delivers top results only when material, lapping stone, and medium are perfectly matched – precisely where our expertise makes the difference.

Metal

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

Plastic

  • PEEK for demanding, high-performance applications

Other materials are available upon request.
We advise on which material and finishing best suits your application – from sealing surface to optical carrier.

Lapped metal precision part with mirror-smooth finish after flush lapping

WHEN LAPPING IS THE RIGHT CHOICE

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

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, …)

Next, we evaluate whether lapping is the most efficient and reliable finishing step.

Close-up of lapped metal surface — flat lapping tolerances to 0.001 mm
Laminated precision rings after fine machining at BO-Solutions

/ Request a quote

COLLABORATING WITH BO-SOLUTIONS TO LAPPING

How does the process work?

  • You can send us 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 applied in every phase of the process:

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

Lapping for critical surfaces?

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

We help you think about manufacturability, tolerances, and the correct machining sequence, so that lapping yields maximum returns for you.

Technical questions: email info@bo-solutions.be or call us +32 51 24 89 32

Technical questions? Contact us

/ FAQ

Frequently asked questions about lapping

What is lapping?

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

In lapping, the workpiece is placed on a lapping plate or in a support. A fine-grained lapping paste is applied between the workpiece and the plate. Through a controlled combination of:

  • Busy
  • Movement (rotating and oscillating sliding)
  • Time and grain size

Material is removed very evenly. Irregularities disappear, peaks are smoothed out, and a mirror-smooth, flat surface with minimal shape defects is created.

Lapping is therefore ideal as the final step after grinding or milling when maximum tolerances is required.