Surface finishing process-Lapping

Lapping is a surface finishing process used to give a surface finish to articles. It is essentially an abrading process. Very less material can be removed from this process only around 0.005 to 0.01 mm is removed. This is a low efficiency process and is used only when a required amount of surface finish is required.

In this process, the laps i.e.; lapping shoes are charged with abrading powders like emery, iron oxide, chromium oxide. Laps are made from any material like soft cast Iron soft steel, brass etc. These laps are made to rub against the surface so that the irregular surface erodes. For better surface finish, the laps can be given reciprocating motion etc. In short two types of motions can be combined


The lapping machine is available in three types.
1.Vertical axis lapping machine
2. Center less lapping machine
3.Abrasive belt lapping machine.