Abstract: A microfinishing machine particularly adapted for microfinishing external cylindrical surfaces such as found on internal combustion engine crankshaft bearing journal. The machine includes a microfinishing tool assembly which presses an abrasive coated film against the workpiece and a gaging tool assembly which enables in-process diameter measurements to be made. The microfinishing tool assembly features means for shifting the center of pressure exerted on the abrasive coated film along the axial surface of the cylindrical surface being machined. Such adjustment can be achieved by shifting the pivot axis of the tool or by exerting an external torsional load onto the tool. The microfinishing tool assembly according to this invention allows axial form errors such as tapering of journal surfaces to be corrected in the microfinishing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for microfinishing an interior cylindrical surface. The apparatus includes a mechanism which holds and rotates the workpiece about an axis. A tool, having radially directed work areas, is positioned within the workpiece and causes a strip of abrasive sheet material, positioned over the work areas, to engage the rotating workpiece. With the abrasive sheet material engaging the rotating workpiece, the tool is axially oscillated.

Abstract: An apparatus for micro-finishing a brake drum braking surface. The invention uses a center of rotation gaged from the unfinished braking surface to properly position the brake drum on the apparatus and position a shoe for engagement with the braking surface A film, having an abrasive surface, is routed over the shoe so that the abrasive surface will contact the braking surface. The brake drum is rotated and the film is urged into contact with the braking surface while the film and the shoe are axially oscillated along the rotational axis of the brake drum. In mounting the brake drum on the micro-finishing apparatus, a mechanism is provided for simulating the mounting forces normally incurred by the brake drum during use.

Abstract: Microfinishing devices and processes for in-process gauging of a microfinishing process of generally cylindrical workpieces. A size control shoe is used with a microfinishing shoe such that the diameter of a generally cylindrical workpiece can be continually monitored during the microfinishing process. Once a predetermined diameter or workpiece geometry is achieved, the machining process can be terminated. Several embodiments of size control shoes are disclosed which are particularly adapted for retrofit applications for existing microfinishing equipment. A "masterless" microfinishing machine is also described having arms which engage the size control and microfinishing shoes which follow the path of the workpiece during machining. Since the shoes must be maintained in engagement with the workpiece after a desired diameter is achieved, the pressure applied by the microfinishing arms is relieved until all of the workpiece surfaces are machined.

Abstract: Microfinishing devices and processes for in-process gauging of a microfinishing process of generally cylindrical workpieces. A size control shoe is used with a microfinishing shoe such that the diameter of a generally cylindrical workpiece can be continually monitored during the microfinishing process. Once a predetermined diameter or workpiece geometry is achieved, the machining process can be terminated. Several embodiments of size control shoes are disclosed which are particularly adapted for retrofit applications for existing microfinishing equipment. A "masterless" microfinishing machine is also described having arms which engage the size control and microfinishing shoes which follow the path of the workpiece during machining. Since the shoes must be maintained in engagement with the workpiece after a desired diameter is achieved, the pressure applied by the microfinishing arms is relieved until all of the workpiece surfaces are machined.

Abstract: A microfinishing machine and tooling particularly adapted for lobed cam surfaces such as internal combustion engine camshafts or outer irregular surfaces. The microfinishing tooling includes shoes having a pair of rollers which press abrasive coated film material against the workpiece being machined. The rollers are carried by a plate which is also free to rotate slightly. The roller elements are free to rotate and therefore wear on the tooling is minimized in response to minute motion of the microfinishing film during the microfinishing process. Furthermore, the roller elements closely follow the contours of the workpiece surface to provide a more uniform machining effect. Various configurations for the roller elements are disclosed, including a unitary roller made of a hard material and another embodiment in which the roller is coated with an elastomeric material.