One of the most surprisingly productive ways to achieve high quality bore finishing in OEM production. Even experienced machinists are impressed when they see raw tubing converted into a mirror-like finish in a single pass at extremely high feed rates. This is achieved by combining two operations into a single tool and having the right machine for the job.

skiving and burnishing tool

IMPROVING BORE QUALITY WITH SKIVING AND ROLLER BURNISHING

skiving and burnishing tool

Skiving and roller burnishing is one of the most surprisingly productive ways to achieve high-quality bore finishing in OEM production. Even experienced machinists are impressed when they see raw tubing converted into a mirror-like finish in a single pass at extremely high feed rates. This is achieved by combining two operations into a single tool and having the right machine for the job.

The process works by using a set of floating knives on the front of the tool, followed by rollers. The diameter and finish are adjustable on the head to “dial” in the exact sizes, and the finish can be tuned by adjusting the roller pressure relative to the cutting diameter. Cutting fluid floods the tool to clear chips, and hydraulic actuation protects the finished surface as the tool retracts. The process delivers outstanding accuracy, surface durability, and repeatability across a wide range of bore sizes and production environments.

ACHIEVABLE RESULTS

The result is a highly efficient method that routinely achieves:

  • Cutting speeds up to 300 m/min (1000 SFM)
  • Feed per revolution 3 mm/rev (0.118 IPR)
  • Feed rates over 4000 mm/min (157 IPM)
  • Surface roughness Ra in the 0.2-micro-meter (8-micro-inch) range
  • Circular form as close as 0.01mm (.0004 inch)
  • Diameter tolerance IT8 – IT9

These capabilities significantly enhance surface durability, a crucial factor in hydraulic cylinder manufacturing and other critical applications.

ACHIEVABLE RESULTS

The result is a highly efficient method that routinely achieves:

  • Cutting speeds up to 300 m/min (1000 SFM)
  • Feed per revolution 3 mm/rev (0.118 IPR)
  • Feed rates over 4000 mm/min (157 IPM)
  • Surface roughness Ra in the 0.2 micro-meter (8 micro-inch) range
  • Circular form as close as 0.01mm (.0004 inch)
  • Diameter tolerance IT8 – IT9

These capabilities significantly improve surface durability which is an important factor for hydraulic cylinder manufacturing and other critical applications.

"Skiving and roller burnishing combines two operations into a single tool."

Skiving Burnishing Machine

APPLICATION AND PRODUCTION FLEXIBILITY

The process applies across a wide range of bore sizes and depths, from 30 to 500 mm (1.18 to 20 inches) and beyond 6 meters (20 feet). UNISIG has applied this method to depths over 13 meters (43 feet) in demanding oil and gas environments.

Most applications remove a small amount of material efficiently, typically around 1.5 mm (0.06 inches). When rough tubes require more cutting, a combined counterbore-skive-burnish tool may be used. Shorter parts can be processed vertically with separate skiving and burnishing tools, which simplifies setup and increases automation opportunities.

UNISIG MACHINES BUILT FOR THE PROCESS

Skiving and roller burnishing places significant demands on the machine platform, often requiring more than 100 kW (134 hp) at the tool. UNISIG machines are engineered to meet these requirements with power, rigidity, and long-term reliability.

  • S-Series machines are purpose-built for tube production, designed specifically around the skiving and roller burnishing process. Robot-ready configurations are available as a standard option.
  • B-Series BTA deep hole drilling machines support both the creation of the starting bore and the final high-quality finish, offering manufacturers a single platform for multiple operations.

Although skiving and roller burnishing is not as common as conventional drilling, milling, or turning, it is a proven method to drastically increase productivity and quality. These machine platforms allow manufacturers to fully leverage the productivity and quality advantages in high-volume production environments.

APPLICATION RANGE AND PRODUCTION FLEXIBILITY

Skiving Burnishing Machine

The process applies across a wide range of bore sizes and depths, from 30 to 500 mm (1.18 to 20 inches) and beyond 6 meters (20 feet). UNISIG has applied this method to depths over 13 meters (43 feet) in demanding oil and gas environments.

Most applications remove a small amount of material efficiently, typically around 1.5 mm (0.06 inches). When rough tubes require more cutting, a combined counterbore-skive-burnish tool may be used. Shorter parts can be processed vertically with separate skiving and burnishing tools to simplify setup and increase automation opportunities.

UNISIG MACHINES BUILT FOR THE PROCESS

Skiving and roller burnishing places significant demands on the machine platform, often requiring more than 100 kW (134 hp) at the tool. UNISIG machines are engineered to meet these requirements with power, rigidity, and long-term reliability.

  • S-Series machines are purpose built for tube production, designed specifically around the skiving and roller burnishing process. Robot ready configurations are available as a standard option.
  • B-Series BTA deep hole drilling machines support both the creation of the starting bore and the final high quality finish, offering manufacturers a single platform for multiple operations.

Although skiving and roller burnishing is not as common as conventional drilling, milling or turning, it is a proven method to drastically increase productivity and quality. These machine platforms allow manufacturers to fully leverage the productivity and quality advantages in high volume production environments.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Skiving and roller burnishing combine cutting and finishing in a single tool, allowing raw tubing to be converted into a mirror-like finish in one pass. High feed rates, adjustable tool settings, and efficient chip evacuation allow the process to achieve speeds and quality levels that exceed conventional drilling, milling, or turning.

The process supports a wide range of bore diameters from 30 to 500 mm (1.18 to 20 inches) and depths beyond 6 meters (20 feet). UNISIG has applied skiving and roller burnishing to depths exceeding 13 meters (43 feet) in demanding applications.

UNISIG S-Series machines are purpose built for tube production and designed specifically around the skiving and roller burnishing process. B-Series BTA deep hole drilling machines can also integrate this capability, enabling manufacturers to produce both the starting bore and the final high quality finish on one platform.

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