The balling process is a relatively new micro-finishing process that involves forcing a precision-ground metal ball through a slightly lower hole. Traditional hole finishing methods, such as grinding and honing, are considered both time consuming and energy compared to the simpler balling process.
Tungsten carbide beads were used with different lubricants to achieve strength reduction. The forces were measured using a strain gauge dynamometer. The surface deformation was studied by scanning electron microscopy. We propose a mathematical model for the prediction of the final diameters of the ball-hole and a good agreement with experimental observations is found. Therefore, in the industrial use of the balling process, the use of the mathematical model will allow a rapid determination of the values of the relevant parameters to achieve a specified partial diameter.