BRM / Flex-Hone®
BRM /
Flex-Hone®
What is Flex-Hone® ?
The Flex-Hone® Tool is a resilient, flexible honing tool used to improve the internal surface finish while also being able to deburr a bore or cylinder.
Süleyman Görmüş Otomotiv is the Sole Authorised Distributor in Turkey for BRM Flex-Hone®
Flex-Hone® for Surface Finishing & Deburring
Flex-Hone® produces controlled surface finish unobtainable by any other method. A high percentage plateau surface is produced free of cut, torn and folded metal. The concept involves removing peaks which are produced by prior machining operations and creating a substantially flat or plateau finish.
Flex-Hone® for Chamfer Blending
This unique Flex-Hone design has the ability to blend and radius sharp edges and remove microburrs on chamfered holes eliminating stress risers caused by the chamfering operation. The Flex-Hone for Chamfer Blending comes in a variety of grit sizes and abrasive types and is suitable for finishing titanium, inconel, super CVM and nickel based stainless steel alloys.
Flex-Hone® Applications
Air CompressorsHydraulic CylindersHydraulic Valves and Valve GuidesPneumatic CylindersBoiler ComponentsCompressed Air Tool BodiesBrake Cylinders / Brake RotorsEngine Cylinders / Block LinersMusical InstrumentsChambers and BarrelsAircraft Engine ComponentsConnecting Rods
The Flex-Hone® is used in many different industries including Automotive, Aerospace, Energy (Oil and Gas), and Defense. It improves performance and reduces maintenance costs. The choice of industries for superior results: Flex-Hone®.
Flex-Hone® – Deglazing Cylinders
What is Deglazing?
In a gasoline or diesel engine, the pistons ride up and down within the engine maintaining a tight seal via the piston rings. Over time, the constant rubbing of the rings against the cylinder wall can polish it to a very smooth finish. This creates problems in two ways. First, the lubricating oil in the engine will not adhere properly to the mirror smooth surface, and friction is increased. Secondly, while breaking in newly installed piston rings, a minute amount of wear must occur between rings and cylinder wall in order to seat the rings properly, and ensure a gas-tight seal.
If the cylinder walls are too smooth, this wear will not occur, with the rings “skating” over the polished surface. In order to correct the situation, a mechanic can take the engine apart, and deglaze the cylinders, with a Flex-Hone Tool. This creates a roughly 45 degree angle crosshatching of tiny grooves in the cylinder wall, and restores the engines performance.
Common Industrial Applications
Endüstrilerin tercihi: Flex-Hone®
The Flex-Hone® Tool in Aerospace Surface Finishing
Precision and performance are non-negotiables in the aerospace industry. For over 6 decades, the FLEX-HONE® has earned its place as a trusted solution for surface finishing. Designed for flexible honing, the tool helps metalworking professionals meet the strict surface finishing tolerances that are standard across this industry.
Flex-Hone® Benefits
- Precision Flexible Honing: Whether it’s engine cylinders, gear housings, or hydraulic components, the FLEX-HONE® is effective at refining cylindrical surfaces. It helps ensure parts operate smoothly with reduced friction, all while meeting tight dimensional requirements.
- Enhanced Surface Condition: A major benefit of the FLEX-HONE® is the consistent, crosshatch pattern it produces. This type of finish supports critical functions by assisting in lubricant retention and minimizing wear—which is essential for parts such as landing gear components or internal engine elements.
- Effective Deburring: The tool’s flexibility allows it to conform to bore geometry, making it ideal for removing burrs from cylinders, passages, and other hard-to-reach areas. Clean, burr-free parts help prevent premature wear or fluid leakage which decrease performance.
- High-Quality Finishes Without Distortion: The FLEX-HONE® delivers smooth, refined finishes without removing excess material or distorting delicate components. That makes it particularly well-suited for finishing parts where precision is crucial and material integrity must be maintained.
FLEX-HONE® Solutions for Maritime Maintenance—Reliable Performance Onshore and At Sea
The FLEX-HONE® tool is a versatile and dependable choice for surface finishing in the maritime service and rebuilding industry. Whether in a shipyard or performing emergency repairs while a vessel is dead in the water, the tool allows for in-place component restoration minimizing downtime, extending equipment life, and avoiding costly overhauls.
Key Applications and Benefits for Marine Equipment Maintenance
- Cylinder Bore Refinishing: Used in engines, hydraulic systems, and pumps, the FLEX-HONE tool ensures proper surface roughness, optimizing lubrication retention and reducing wear.
- Corrosion Removal: Internal pipes and tubular components prone to corrosion benefit from FLEX-HONE treatment to restore smoothness and improve efficiency.
- Extended Component Life: By improving surface finish and reducing stress concentrations, FLEX-HONE tools help prevent premature failure of ship components.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduces the need for part replacements by restoring functionality to worn or corroded components.
FLEX-HONE® ON AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS
The FLEX-HONE® tool delivers unmatched value in the automotive rebuilding industry by providing precision surface finishing that restores critical components to like-new condition. Its flexible, self-centering design enables consistent results across a variety of engine and brake system applications—without the risk of over-machining or altering component geometry.
FLEX-HONE® AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS
- Engine Cylinder Bores: Restores crosshatch finish for improved oil retention, ring seating, and compression.
- Valve Guides: Removes carbon and deposits to ensure smooth valve operation and proper sealing.
- Lifter Bores: Cleans and smooths bore surfaces to promote consistent lifter function and reduce sticking.
- Camshaft and Crankshaft Oil Passages: Deburrs and polishes intersecting holes for improved oil flow and bearing protection.
- Brake Caliper Bores: Removes rust and corrosion to restore smooth piston movement and braking performance.
- Wheel Cylinders and Master Cylinders: Smooths internal surfaces to maintain hydraulic integrity and sealing.
- Connecting Rod Pin Bores: Deburrs and finishes bores to ensure proper fitment and reduce friction.
- Transmission Valve Bodies & Bores: Polishes hydraulic channels to enhance fluid flow and transmission responsiveness.
- Differential Housing Bores: Cleans and deburrs to support gear alignment and lubrication.
- Fuel Injector Bodies: Deburrs and smooths internal passages to optimize fuel flow and atomization.
- Turbocharger Housings: Polishes mating surfaces for improved airflow and component durability.
- Throttle Bodies and Intake Manifolds: Removes carbon buildup and casting flash to enhance airflow and engine performance.
Mastering Surface Finishing: Proven Solutions to Common Manufacturing Challenges
Surface finishing is essential for the performance, longevity, and quality of metal components—but it comes with its own set of challenges. From burrs that interfere with part functionality to surface contaminants that hinder coating adhesion, manufacturers must navigate these issues without compromising precision. Industrial-grade brushes and FLEX-HONE® tools offer powerful, repeatable solutions that protect tolerances while enhancing surface integrity.
Common Manufacturing Surface Finishing Challenges:
- Burrs & Rough Edges: Leftover material from machining can disrupt fit, sealing, or movement.
- Surface Contaminants: Oils, oxides, and debris interfere with coatings, adhesion, and corrosion resistance.
- Inconsistent Finishes: Manual finishing leads to variability, undermining quality control.
- Tight Tolerances: Critical parts require precise finishing without dimensional distortion.
Effective Solutions & Benefits:
- FLEX-HONE® Application: Provides controlled, repeatable, and precise finishing results.
- Use of Abrasive Brushes: Ensures even material removal without excessive wear on parts.
- Automation and Consistency: Integration of finishing tools into automated systems enhances repeatability and quality.
- Proper Material Selection: Using the correct abrasive grain, wire type, and brush density tailored to the application.
How the FLEX-HONE® Tool Enhances Firearm Finishes and Function
Precision surface finishing plays a key role in how firearms are built, maintained, and restored. Thanks to its flexible abrasive design, the FLEX-HONE® tool delivers a smooth finish without removing too much material—helping protect critical dimensions while boosting performance, reliability, and the overall lifespan of components.
FLEX-HONE® Applications for Firearm Components & Key Benefits:
- Chamber & Cylinder Finishing:
- ✔ Reduces Brass Scarring: Polishes chamber walls to eliminate rough spots that scratch or damage brass during firing and ejection.
- ✔ Improves Feeding and Ejection: Removes machining marks and surface imperfections to prevent sticking and extraction failures.
- ✔ Preserves Brass for Reloading: Provides a smooth finish that keeps brass casings intact for better reloading precision.
- Barrel Honing: Enhances bore finish to reduce powder fouling and improve accuracy and shot consistency.
- Bolt & Slide Deburring: Removes burrs and rough edges, reducing friction and promoting smoother cycling in semi-automatic and bolt-action firearms.
- Trigger & Firing Pin Polishing: Minimizes drag and wear, leading to a crisper, more consistent trigger pull and improved firing reliability.
- Rust & Corrosion Removal: Gently eliminates oxidation without removing excess material, making it ideal for restoring aged or restored firearms.
Common Surface Finishing Applications in Oil & Gas
Industrial wire and abrasive brushes, along with FLEX-HONE® tools, are essential for addressing surface preparation, cleaning, and finishing challenges in the oil and gas industry.
Widely Used In
- Pipeline Deburring & Cleaning: Removes weld slag, rust, scale, and corrosion from pipelines before welding or coating. It ensures a clean bonding surface for coatings and protective linings.
- Drilling Equipment & Downhole Tools: Used for decontaminating drill pipes, casings, and tubing to remove built-up debris and residues. Prevents obstructions in oilfield tools, improving operational performance.
- Valve & Pump Maintenance: Removes burrs and deposits inside valve bodies, pump chambers, and manifolds. Enhances flow efficiency and extends component life.
- Hydraulic Cylinders & Pneumatic Systems: FLEX-HONE® tools ensure precision honing of hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders for optimal sealing performance. Reduces internal wear by refining surface roughness inside tubes.
- Heat Exchangers & Refinery Equipment: Brushes and FLEX-HONE® tools assist in descaling and cleaning tube interiors to maintain heat transfer efficiency. Prevents blockages and corrosion buildup in refinery components.
Avoid Costly Breakdowns With FLEX-HONE® Tools
When equipment breaks down on the job, it’s more than just an inconvenience, it’s lost time and revenue. That’s why many maintenance pros rely on FLEX-HONE® tools, which feature abrasive globules mounted to flexible filament to finish the inside of cylinders quickly and effectively. These tools require no special setup as they self-adjust to the shape of the part, making them ideal for both shop work and field repairs to improve reliability and avoid breakdowns.
Applications:
- Cylinder Bore Refinishing: Used in diesel and gas engines, hydraulic cylinders, and compressor components to create a crosshatch pattern for improved lubrication.
- Deburring Cross-Holes: Ensures smooth fluid passage in hydraulic valves and fuel injectors.
- Polishing and Surface Conditioning: Used for improving the finish of bearing races, transmission components, and brake system parts.
Use of Industrial Wire and Abrasive Brushes & FLEX-HONE® Tools
In hydraulic manufacturing and maintenance, surface finishing is employed to achieve the desired smoothness and texture of components. Proper finishing is critical: if a hydraulic cylinder finish is too rough, the U-cups and seals may wear out; if it is too smooth, the hydraulic seals may leak. Using FLEX-HONE® tools provides improved sealing surfaces, extended component life, and enhanced overall system reliability.
Common Surface Finishing Tools for Hydraulics
- FLEX-HONE® Tools: Also known as ball hones, these tools consist of abrasive globules mounted to flexible filaments. They are particularly effective for removing burrs from intersecting holes without altering the geometry of the part, helping produce a consistent surface finish that enhances lubrication retention and reduces wear. They are also used for edge blending to prevent stress concentrations and potential failure points.
- Industrial Wire Brushes: These are used for deburring, cleaning, and surface preparation, effectively removing rust, scale, and other contaminants.
- Abrasive Brushes: Embedded with abrasive grains, these brushes provide controlled material removal, ideal for polishing and finishing surfaces to precise specifications.
FLEX-HONE® TOOLS IN BRASS INSTRUMENT REPAIR
The FLEX-HONE® tool, a flexible honing brush, is particularly effective in cleaning, surface finishing, and deburring without altering the instrument’s critical dimensions.
KEY BENEFITS:
- Improved Airflow & Sound Quality: Removes micro-debris and improves bore smoothness, reducing turbulence and enhancing tonal clarity.
- Consistent Surface Finishing: Creates a uniform cross-hatch pattern inside tubing, optimizing air passage and reducing buildup.
- Gentle Yet Effective: The tool conforms to the internal geometry without excessive material removal, preserving the instrument’s integrity.
- Extended Instrument Life: Prevents corrosion, buildup, and rough internal surfaces that can degrade performance over time.
CUSTOM FLEX-HONE®
The Flex-Hone® Tool is highly customizable and can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your specific finishing requirements.
Custom Diameters
Custom Abrasive and Tool Dimensions
Coated Stem
Custom Stem Diameter
Drilled Stem
Stepped or Multi-Diameter Flex-Hone®
Tapered Flex-Hone®
Spherical Flex-Hone® (Spherical cylinder ends)
Extended Twisted Stem
Special Colored Stems
Custom Size Abrasive Globules
Various Custom Brushes Upon Request
CROSS HOLE DEBURRING
Deburring of cross drilled holes is an expensive, time-consuming operation. Trying to deburr each hole separately requires extra labor and expense. The Flex-Hone® can effectively deburr numerous crossed drilled holes in a single set up through the main bore.
PIPE CLEANING – RUST REMOVAL
Repairing and rebuilding parts due to rust and corrosion is costly. Rust can deem parts unusable and can be a painful maintenance task whether the part is a small diameter barrel or a larger diameter pipe for the oil and gas industry. Flex-Hone can remove and rust with minimal dimensional change.
THREAD DEBURRING
Time is money and deburring threads can be labor intensive. The Flex-Hone can effectively deburr the internal threads in a single set up either by hand with a drill or on the machine.
COATING REMOVAL
Removing paint and coatings from pipes and tubing can be a pain. Flex-Hone easily removes these coatings in seconds without changing the part dimensions.
ID POLISHING – HARDENED STEEL
Diamond FLEX-HONE® tools are designed primarily for deburring, edge blending and surface finishing in hard materials like carbide, ceramic and aerospace steel alloys.
Süleyman Görmüş Otomotiv,
is the Sole Authorised Distributor in Turkey for BRM Flex-Hone® specialty deburring tools.
