Lapping Insights

What is Lapping?

Lapping is a machining process in which two surfaces are rubbed together with an abrasive between them, by hand movement or using a machine. This can take two forms. The first is three-body abrasion, in which the abrasive is carried in a slurry. The second is two-body abrasion, in which the abrasive is affixed to one of the two surfaces. Lapping is used to produce optical flats, corrected lenses, and other surfaces with very precise surface finish, flatness, or size.

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What other technologies are related to Lapping?

Lapping Competitor Technologies

polishing

Polishing, like lapping, is a surface finishing process that aims to achieve a smooth, reflective surface. While lapping is more aggressive, polishing can often achieve similar results for certain materials and applications, making them competitors.

mentioned alongside Lapping in 16% (91) of relevant job posts

honing

Honing is a surface finishing process used to improve the geometry, surface finish, and size of a bore or cylindrical surface. Like lapping, it utilizes abrasive stones, but is often applied to internal surfaces that lapping cannot reach as effectively. These processes are often interchangeable depending on the specific application.

mentioned alongside Lapping in 20% (54) of relevant job posts

grinding

Grinding is a more aggressive material removal process than lapping, but it is still used for achieving tight tolerances and fine surface finishes. It's a competitor as it can often meet similar surface requirements, sometimes at a higher throughput depending on the application.

mentioned alongside Lapping in 4% (109) of relevant job posts