Vertical Honing Machines

This page explains how vertical honing machines work and how to pick them. It also includes a list of vertical honing machines. It can help you select the right machine for you, whether it be for heavy industry or mass production line use.

What are vertical honing machines, and how do they work?

Vertical honing machines are machine tools in which a spindle with an attached honing stone moves reciprocally along a vertical axis, from the ceiling toward the floor and back, to produce holes with high-precision interior diameters in workpieces.

There are two main differences between these machines and horizontal models. The first is that, because gravity pulls straight down, there is little deformation of workpieces or spindles due to their own weight. The second is that the top of the machine is open, so workpieces can be easily loaded and unloaded from above using a crane or gantry loader.

Advantages of using vertical honing machines

Maintaining a high level of circularity by preventing large or heavy components from deforming under their own weight

With horizontal machines, if long or heavy workpieces are mounted horizontally, their middles will sag under their own weight, which results in deformation in the finished hole.

With vertical machines, on the other hand, processing is performed in the same direction as gravity, which helps prevent deformation due to the workpiece's own weight. This helps the machines achieve a high level of circularity and cylindricality even for large engine blocks or long hydraulic cylinders.

High level of compatibility with gantry loaders, compact size, and multi-spindle design

Vertical machines have small footprints, which makes it easy to install multiple machines alongside each other even in limited factory spaces. This is one of their strengths. They are also designed such that workpieces are loaded from directly above, so they can be smoothly integrated with gantry loaders or robot arms. The ease with which transport can be automated also makes it easy to use multiple spindles (for simultaneously performing multiple processes), and they contribute to shorter tact times.

Disadvantages of using vertical honing machines

Machines require high ceilings (overhead spaces) and pits

Not only are vertical machines themselves tall, but they require enough space for a spindle as long as the workpiece to be lifted out. Before installing a vertical honing machine, you need to confirm the height of your ceiling, and in some cases you may need to dig a sub-floor pit.

Main applications of vertical honing machines

Heavy industry and commercial vehicles

Vertical honing machines are suited for use with the large diesel engine blocks used in trucks and buses, large-diameter hydraulic cylinders used in construction machinery, ship components, and other applications involving heavy, long workpieces. In worksites where deformation due to workpiece weight is unacceptable, vertical machines, with their low-deformation structure, help produce higher precision results.

Mass production and automation

Vertical honing machines are also suited for use in lines which handle the mass production of small and medium-sized components, such as motorcycle and automobile connecting rods, pinion gears, and steering components. They can be combined with gantry loaders to eliminate human involvement between processing steps, which can enable you to fully automate workpiece transport.

How to choose a vertical honing machine

When selecting a vertical honing machine, "what you should prioritize" will differ based on the applications of the machine. For large components, the first things you will want to check are the sturdiness of the spindle, the stroke length, and what diameters the machine can work with. For mass production and automation applications, the existence of a connection interface for automation, such as gantry loaders or transfer systems, is also important.

In some cases, voltage and frequency specifications can also have an impact on equipment selection, so we recommend checking power specifications and including manufacturer support systems in India in your comparisons and deliberations.

This site presents a carefully selected list of honing machines available in India, categorized by the business sector they are best suited for, with the aim of eliminating the problem of reliance on the skills of individual operators. It also presents the support systems of each manufacturer, so please use it in your comparison and deliberations.

G Series（Standard Model）「G75 type」

Processing Range	Diameter: ⌀50 to 80 mm Length: Up to 100 mm
Spindle Stroke Length	Max. 350 mm
Equipment Dimensions	H: 3,300 mm W: 2,800 mm D: 1,700 mm
Automatic Measurement Function	Yes
Sizing Function	Not indicated on website
Power Specifications	Not indicated on website
Manufacturer Name	NISSIN ProSOL

A high rigidity model with an automatic compensation function

This model handles everything from rough cutting to finishing. It automatically measures interior diameters as it processes and performs necessary compensation, so it can maintain consistent accuracy even when working on large, heavy engine components. It supports high-precision processing of large components but can also be smoothly integrated in mass production lines to aid with automation.

SV-15 Series（Vertical Honing Machine）「SV15CD」

Processing Range	Diameter: ⌀19 to 203 mm Length: Up to 279 mm
Stroke length (mm)	Not indicated on website
Equipment Dimensions	Not indicated on website
Automatic Measurement Function	Yes
Sizing Function	Yes
Power Specifications	Three phase 230 V 60 Hz (for the SV15CFM, 220 V 50 Hz)
Manufacturer Name	Sunnen

An intuitive global model that cuts while keeping an eye on the bore shape

The shape of the bore is shown on-screen in real time, so operators can see which parts are undersized and keep an eye on the work as they process. This model supports a wide range of diameters, from ⌀19 to 203 mm, and can process medium and large cylinders. One of its notable features is that it is operated using an intuitive touch panel interface, so it is easy to use for all operators, not just veterans.

Vertical Honing Machine「PVH-200」

Processing Range	Diameter: Up to ⌀200 mm Length: Not indicated on website
Stroke length (mm)	50 mm to 400 mm (0.16 m/min)
Equipment Dimensions	Not indicated on website
Automatic Measurement Function	Not indicated on website
Sizing Function	Not indicated on website
Power Specifications	Not indicated on website
Manufacturer Name	Pathak Industries

A cost-conscious Indian-made model for heavy work

The PVH-200 supports diameters of up to ⌀200 mm, has a stroke length of 400 mm, and its rpm is adjustable. It has a simple structure that is resistant to breakage, so it is suited for doing heavy work involving large amounts of force, like reboring cylinders for construction machinery or large commercial vehicles. It is also manufactured in India, which makes it an easy machine to choose from a cost perspective, as well.

FS Series「Standard」

Processing Range	Diameter: ⌀1.8 to 50 mm Length: Not indicated on website
Stroke length (mm)	300 mm
Equipment Dimensions	H: Not indicated on website W: 1,600 mm D: 700 mm
Automatic Measurement Function	Yes
Sizing Function	Not indicated on website
Power Specifications	Not indicated on website
Manufacturer Name	Fuji Honing

A compact model with IoT monitoring and a multi-spindle design

This model has a compact design, measuring just 1,600 mm wide by 700 mm deep, but its multi-spindle design enables it to process multiple components simultaneously. The machine's operating status can be monitored at all times via the IoT, and it can be combined with a gantry loader for use in automated lines.

「ProductionHone」

Processing Range	Diameter: ⌀1.14 to 80 mm Length: Not indicated on website
Stroke length (mm)	3 to 320 mm (1 to 25 m/min)
Equipment Dimensions	H: 1,790 mm W: 1,780 mm D: 1,000 mm
Automatic Measurement Function	Yes
Sizing Function	Yes
Power Specifications	Three phase 380 to 415 V, 50 Hz
Manufacturer Name	Delapena

A machine specialized for mass production, with automatic compensation and automatic tool switching functions

The ProductionHone automatically measures dimensions while processing and performs any necessary compensation, which makes it easy to produce consistent precision without human involvement. It can automatically switch between tools set up for it, which helps reduce the workload involved in set-up changes even in mass production lines with high product mixes. There is also a palletizer, so while the machine is working on one workpiece, the next workpiece can be readied for processing, boosting efficiency.

Vertical honing machines - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are there any points to be careful about when it comes to creating blind holes (holes with bottoms) using a vertical honing machine?

Care must be taken to removing cuttings and selecting the right dedicated tool. With verticals, metal debris tends to collect within the hole due to gravity, and honing while there is debris in the hole can affect precision. It is important to use coolant to blow any debris up and away, and to select a tool that is good at eliminating debris.

Q. What can I do if the ceiling isn't high enough?

Consider either building a pit, which lowers the floor, or going with a space-saving model which has less overall height. These are your two main options if you are unable to reserve enough overhead space to withdraw the spindle. If making changes to your factory is not feasible, it would be more practical to select a model that fits your installation environment from the very start.

Installing a vertical honing machine is making an investment aligned with your company's objectives

Vertical honing machines can be broadly divided into two types. There are vertical honing machines for dealing with the deformation that large components, such as construction machine hydraulic cylinders, suffer due to their own weight, and vertical honing machines for gantry automation and space-saving for small components, such as connecting rods. Which of these fits your usage needs determines the kind of model you should choose. First, it's important to clarify what exact challenges your worksite faces. Then, it's important to have the mentality that what you're doing is investing in a machine that matches your business objectives.

Device capabilities and manufacturer support requirements vary from business to business, differing for precision components, large components and heavy industry, and component repair and processing.
This site has carefully selected honing machines that match different business types and issues and can help companies reduce their dependence on individual operators, so please use it to assist in your comparison and deliberation efforts.