Honing is a metal surface-finishing process in which abrasive stones are used to scrub a metal surface until a desired texture is reached. Honing is commonly used in the production of metal parts for engines. Often, the insides of engine cylinders are honed to create a textured surface better for engine functionality. Honing is also commonly done to sharpen knives. When you sharpen your kitchen knife on a stone, you are honing the knife.
Precision honing is common in industrial production. Military, aircraft, automobile and aerospace machinery often require precision honing. Precision honing is a precise form of honing used to hone the insides of cylinders and bores to exact specifications. In projects requiring precision honing, the surface texture is vital to the machinery's proper functioning. Precision honing companies offer bore sizing and micro finishing services for just about all industrial applications.
Whereas honing is a process done deliberately to achieve a desired effect on metal, burnishing is often an unintended side effect of pressure applied to two objects. Burnishing is the deformation of a surface due to stressed contact with another object. The burnishing effect's severity depends on the amount of force exerted on the two objects. For instance, a sliding door on a metal track will eventually wear down the track surface. The more force exerted to open the door, the quicker burnishing will occur. Think of burnishing as the wear and tear that occurs on a metal surface due to recurring contact with another object.
Roller burnishing is a deliberate form of burnishing. Roller burnishing speeds up the burnishing process by using a smooth, hard tool to exert pressure onto a metal surface to smooth it or add shine to it. Roller burnishing, like honing, can improve surface finish, surface hardness, wear-resistance, fatigue and corrosion resistance.