ballsized
Ballized refers to a process used in manufacturing, particularly in the machining of internal diameters such as cylinders or bores. It involves using a special tool, called a ballizing tool or ballizer, to precisely enlarge and finish the inside of a hole to a very tight tolerance. The tool typically consists of a series of tapered mandrels, each with a progressively larger diameter, or a single tapered mandrel with a hardened ball at the tip. As the tool is passed through the bore, the ball or tapered section exerts outward pressure, plastically deforming the material of the hole's inner surface. This deformation not only achieves the desired diameter but also improves the surface finish and roundness of the bore. Ballizing is often used for components requiring high precision and a smooth surface, such as fuel injector components, hydraulic cylinders, and bearing housings. It is a cold working process, meaning it does not involve heating the workpiece. The primary advantage of ballizing is its ability to create highly accurate and smooth internal diameters without the need for traditional cutting or grinding, which can sometimes introduce stresses or alter material properties.