Reliable machining

Made for engines with thermally sprayed coatings

In aluminium cylinder crankcases, lining of the cylinder bore surfaces with cast or shrink-fit grey iron bushes is today state-of-the-art. In order to be able to build aluminium engine blocks with even thinner walls and lighter weight in future, the cast bushes are replaced by thermally sprayed ferrous metal coatings. On the one hand these can be applied far thinner, and on the other the friction between piston ring and cylinder bore surface is also reduced.

Conditioning of the cylinder bore surface with PCD contour blades

For this new technology, MAPAL has developed new tools for the pre-machining and conditioning of the cylinder bore surface before thermal spraying in order to ensure optimum coating adhesion. PCD contour blades are used to create a defined structure on the cylinder bore surface with which the sprayed coating can optimally interlock and adhere itself. The structuring needs to have small undercuts and at the same time be designed to prevent blistering or inhomogeneity in the sprayed coating.

Fine machining tool with HX blades as preparation for precision honing

After the spraying of the coating, the cylinder bore surfaces are machined using fine boring tools with HX blades. The geometry of the bore surface is thus prepared for the final precision honing.

Tools with PcBN blades are used here, as the very hard sprayed coatings place a very high load on the cutting edges. As with other applications in hard machining, the know-how in the choice of the right PcBN grade and the edge preparation are crucial for success.

The fine machining tool is furthermore equipped with coolant-controlled actuator mechanisms and cutting compensation.

Source: MAPAL Dr. Kress KG