Machine honing is a precision metalwork technique used to create super-flat, shaped, and super-smooth surfaces. By applying an abrasive stone anvil to cut against the metalwork, and applying intense pressure and movement, pieces of any shape and size can be altered to exact material specifications.

Aerospace today wouldn't exist without outsourced, precision-engineered components. Unlike most land vehicles, almost no modern aircraft are designed, constructed, and tested entirely in-house. Due to the sheer number and diversity of disparate aeroplane, spacecraft, satellite, and helicopter components, aerospace manufacturing typically relies on a scattered production chain of outsourced commissions, to design and build each separate part to fit a grand overall plan.

Oil and gas exploration and extraction relies on long, thin, durable tubing to work. However, only a very limited number of engineering companies have the expertise, machinery, and tools to create the precision-tooled, high-capacity metal tubing that fossil fuel industries need. At Hone-All, we can assist the production of oil and gas tubing by creating precision-bored, deep hole extraction equipment to bespoke order. We regularly process stainless steel extraction tubing using high-capacity, specialised stainless steel super-alloys, such as Inconel 718 and AISI 4145.

But what are the specific advantages that fuel companies gain by using us for their orders? Read on...

However skilled, a single engineering business can't be a master of all trades. If you need specialist services for single projects, such as boring or drilling, it can be better value to outsource. Outsourcing precision engineering can cut costs, reduce your workload, increase productivity, save you money on equipment purchase and hire, and enhance your profit margins. You don't need to move production abroad, either - Hone-All handles all of our outsourced services on British soil. Here's our guide to how outsourcing your engineering could benefit your business.

Hone-All's long association with the aerospace industry includes honing, drilling and boring services for bespoke parts, from landing gear for military aircraft to pistons for helicopter rotors . Along the way, we've invested in our people, systems and equipment to ensure accuracy, traceability and repeatability guaranteeing the stringent quality requirements required by this safety critical industry. Our continuing approval to AS9100D is testament to our commitment and success in meeting and exceeding the highest of standards.

At Hone-All, we have a long history of association with the aerospace industry, so we were excited to learn about a new initiative from the UK government offering grants for innovative products in this sector.

Metalworking brings you better results if you take a systemised approach to your components. Honing requires you to work with bore size tolerances of 0.0001” so precision is a necessity. With the right machine, fixturing, abrasive, and oil, you can improve your quality and cycle times and reduce costs and lead time therefore improving your competitiveness. Let’s look at this in more detail:

Gun drilling is the ideal process for drilling small diameter holes without losing straightness and precision. It creates close tolerance holes in high-temperature alloys and a range of steels. Machines must be configured to precise specifications, then operated using precision tooling, high-pressure coolant, and an interrupted feed. Some applications require a sub-micron finish that a gun drill can’t achieve, so extra processes and customisation are often needed such as honing.

To create the perfect component, you need an effective and efficient relationship with your machining company. Your precision machining process can be derailed by miscommunications over even the tiniest part, so communication is integral. The machining sector has become increasingly flexible, with bespoke solutions making clear expectations even more important. Relationships are only as healthy as both sides of the customer / supplier connection, and there’s much you can do to improve your results.

Hone-All was founded on a passion for excellence in the area of specialist honing. The company began as a family business that focused on developing the skills to manage tough projects. Since its launch, we have relocated to larger premises that support an effective large-scale production environment with the best technology for every task.