Lapping Tool

Abstract

Lapping tools are provided that include at least one angled feature that forms at least one surface angle with the lapping surface. In some examples, angled features may include a first surface angle and a second surface angle. Each surface angle of the angled feature is configured to retain abrasive grit and provide a desired type of finish.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A lapping tool comprising a lapping surface, wherein the lapping surface includes at least one angled feature that forms at least one surface angle with the lapping surface, the at least one angled feature being configured to receive abrasive grit, and the at least one surface angle being selected according to a finish type to be imparted onto a workpiece by the lapping tool. 
     
     
         2 . The lapping tool of  claim 1 , wherein the lapping tool comprises a lapping sleeve, and the lapping sleeve includes the at least one angled feature. 
     
     
         3 . The lapping tool of  claim 1 , wherein the lapping tool is a flat lapping tool. 
     
     
         4 . The lapping tool of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one surface angle is configured as an optimum lapping angle. 
     
     
         5 . The lapping tool of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one angled feature forms a first surface angle with the lapping surface and a second surface angle with the lapping surface. 
     
     
         6 . The lapping tool of  claim 5 , wherein the first surface angle is oriented to provide a first finish when the lapping tool is moved in a first direction, and the second surface angle is oriented to provide a second finish when the lapping tool is moved in a second direction. 
     
     
         7 . The lapping tool of  claim 6 , wherein the lapping tool is a flat lapping tool. 
     
     
         8 . The lapping tool of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one angled feature is a helical groove. 
     
     
         9 . The lapping tool of  claim 1 , wherein the lapping tool comprises a first angled feature and a second angled feature. 
     
     
         10 . The lapping tool of  claim 9 , wherein the first angled feature is a right-handed helical groove, and the second angled feature is a left-handed helical groove. 
     
     
         11 . The lapping tool of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one angled feature is formed as a negative feature. 
     
     
         12 . The lapping tool of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one angled feature is formed as a positive feature. 
     
     
         13 . A lapping tool comprising a circular cross section and an outer surface that is a lapping surface;
 wherein the lapping surface includes at least one angled feature that forms at least one surface angle with the lapping surface, the at least one angled feature being configured to receive abrasive grit, and the at least one surface angle being selected according to a finish type to be imparted onto a workpiece by the lapping tool.   
     
     
         14 . The lapping tool of  claim 13 , wherein the lapping tool comprises a lapping sleeve, and the lapping sleeve includes the at least one angled feature. 
     
     
         15 . The lapping tool of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one surface angle is configured as an optimum lapping angle. 
     
     
         16 . The lapping tool of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one angled feature forms a first surface angle with the lapping surface and a second surface angle with the lapping surface. 
     
     
         17 . The lapping tool of  claim 16 , wherein the first surface angle is oriented to provide a first finish when the lapping tool is moved in a first direction, and the second surface angle is oriented to provide a second finish when the lapping tool is moved in a second direction. 
     
     
         18 . The lapping tool of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one angled feature is a helical groove. 
     
     
         19 . The lapping tool of  claim 13 , wherein the lapping tool comprises a first angled feature and a second angled feature. 
     
     
         20 . The lapping tool of  claim 19 , wherein the first angled feature is a right-handed helical groove, and the second angled feature is a left-handed helical groove.