What is Hand Scraping?
The hand scraping technique maintains the accuracy of every YASDA machine. Hand scraping is a traditional manual process used to create precision flat surfaces on machine tool components. This technique involves the use of a scraping tool to meticulously remove small amounts of material from a surface. The goal is to achieve an extremely flat, smooth, and accurate surface with high bearing contact points, which is essential for ensuring proper alignment, precision, and durability in machine tools.
Process Overview:
1. Surface Preparation: The component is rough-machined or ground to approximate dimensions.
2. Marking: A surface plate and marking medium are used to identify high and low spots.
3. Scraping: A hand scraper is used to remove material from the high spots, guided by the markings.
4. Repeat: The marking and scraping process is repeated until the desired flatness and bearing pattern are achieved.
5. Testing: Surfaces are tested for flatness, parallelism, and contact area using tools like straight edges and micrometers.
YASDA YMC 650 Micro Center
Benefits of Hand Scraping
- Enhanced Precision: Achieves micron-level flatness and alignment, crucial for high-precision machine tools. Imperfections or deviations in machined surfaces are corrected through hand scraping.
- Improved Surface Contact: Produces a surface with multiple small bearing points, reducing wear and improving load distribution.
- Longevity and Stability: Hand-scraped surfaces maintain accuracy over time and resist distortion under heavy or repeated loads.
- Reduced Friction: The technique produces a textured surface that holds oil better, enhancing lubrication and reducing wear.
- Enhanced Machine Performance: Contributes to smoother motion, better repeatability, and higher overall efficiency of machine tools.
All these benefits result in high quality surface finishes that are critical when machining components for industries such as Die and Mold, Aerospace, Mold Bases, and Micro Milling. Watch the Mastercam video below to see a sub-microinch surface finish on stainless steel, directly off of the YASDA YMC 650 micro center (no hand polishing or post processing necessary).
Despite being labor-intensive and requiring skilled artisans, hand scraping remains a valued technique in manufacturing YASDA machines. Contact OptiPro’s machine tool sales team for more information on how Yasda machines can take your capabilities to the next level.
