Despite the increasing importance of the process, the
research and further development of honing has been
neglected over the last years [1]. While there have been
several studies considering the honing tool [e.g. 2, 3],
research activity with regard to the control of the honing
process is lacking.
The traditional form of honing is an open loop control
called feed-controlled honing [4]. A newer appraoch, the
so called force-controlled honing, uses a closed loop
control. In the case of force-controlled honing the forces
occuring during the process are measured and kept
constant through a regulation of the feeding movement.
This constant process force helps to reach a more stable
honing process regarding the quality parameters, the
material removal and the wear of the honing stone. A
force-controlled approach can help to increase the
process stability, the quality of the honed workpieces
and the tool life. It also helps to reduce the running-in
period of the process and makes it possible to hone in
small lot sizes. The presented study explains the
differences between the two control types and shows the
advantages of the force controlled approach.