In the through-feed finishing process two rotating drive rollers are used to both rotate and transport the rotationally symmetrical parts. This results in a (theoretically) infinite chain of workpieces, which are normally machined with finishing stones positioned above. Typical examples here include cylindrical and tapered roller bearings. A large number of shock absorber rods are also machined with this finishing process, particularly after chromium-plating.
This process is mainly focused on improving the roundness of the workpiece
Besides producing enhanced surface finish (<0.1 µm Ra), this process is mainly focused on improving the roundness of the workpiece, as any elevations produced during the previous grinding processes are reduced by the large enclosing angle of the finishing stone.
Aluminium oxide honing stones are used to achieve higher stock removal rates and silicon carbide honing stones are used for enhanced surface finish. The grit size to be used mainly depends on the diameter of the workpiece being machined. The larger the workpiece, the coarser the abrasive grain.