Abstract: The present invention relates to a honing method and apparatus which provides greater control over the edge shape, as well as reductions in the effort required to hone multiple edges on workpieces. The invention accomplishes these improvements by controlling the speed of the abrasive wheel, as well as the orientation and position of the workpiece prior to and/or while it is in contact with the abrasive brush. This provides for greater control over the hone shape, hone size, and hone distribution along all the cutting edges of the tool.

Abstract: In a method of grinding side end surfaces of substrates, spacers are interposed between the substrates to form a stack of the substrates and the spacers. The spacers are slightly smaller in size than the substrates. The stack of the substrates and the spacers are ground by a rotatable brush or pad on the side end surfaces of the substrates so as to smooth chamfered portions of the substrates together with the side end surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for end-rounding bristles in a brush having different heights. The apparatus includes pins disposed in pre-determined locations such that they will contact selected bristles in a brush abutting the apparatus when the pins travel a two-dimensional path. The height of the pins is adjusted according to the heights of the selected bristles.

Abstract: Method of automatic finishing of a free-form contoured metal or hard die surface, comprising: providing a rotating brush with a central hub carried by a driving spindle for rotation about the hub axis; providing the brush hub with a plurality of closely spaced resilient and independently flexible strands possessing abrasive polishing particles, each strand being secured at one end in the hub and having its other end extending radially away therefrom to present an apparent curved surface of closely spaced strand ends (the series of touching or closely spaced strand ends forming at least a portion of a spherical surface); and rotatingly driving the hub and strands at a constant torque while dragging the ends of said strands across the die surface while in contact therewith to effect the desired degree of polishing. The coating of abrasive polishing particles can be selected from the group of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide or silicon carbide.

Abstract: Excess length 20 of brush seal wires 14 is sheared off with a punch 30 and die 26. A true and accurate diameter 22 is formed. The wires can be ground to a final finish diameter 18 if desired.