Abstract: Apparatus for changing the rotation speed of a workpiece holder axle relative to the axle of a drive shaft, the tangential acceleration of this movement, and the pressure between the surface of workpieces and lapping tools. These changes are set cyclically, directly in the apparatus for finishing. The machines for the realization of such control of the finishing process are equipped with units which are capable of regulating the value of the complex eccentricity of holder rotation and have independent drive systems for adjusting the kinematic factors in the course of finishing. This ensures uniform abrasion over the entire working surface of the lapping tools.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lapping workpieces or components. A planetary-type plane lapping machine has a stationary lapping disc and a rotary driven rotary lapping disc. A cage having a socket for holding work to be lapped is disposed between the stationary lapping disc and the rotary lapping disc. The cage is a planet gear driven by a sun gear and a ring gear of a sun-and-planet gear. A differential gear train couples the sun gear with the rotary disc for driving the rotary lapping disc and a differential mechanism controls the direction of wear of the working surfaces of the lapping discs. In order to carry out the method disclosed the rotary lapping disc is driven rotationally at substantially twice the speed at which the center of the cage rotates about the axis of rotation of the rotary lapping disc. This precludes the development of forces of the work being lapped from acting on the cage.