During internal honing processing, the workpiece remains stationary. The honing tool, equipped with abrasive stones and floatingly connected to the machine tool's spindle, is used to remove a thin layer of metal from the workpiece's inner surface through relative motion under certain pressure. During honing processing, the abrasive stones on the honing head have three motions: rotational, axial reciprocating, and radial feed movements perpendicular to the processing surface. The first two motions are the main movements of the honing stones, creating a cross-hatched pattern of cutting paths on the work surface that is non-repetitive.

Just as with ultra-precision machining, the ratio of the high-speed reciprocating motion of the abrasive belt shaft to the rotational speed forms the main parameter affecting surface roughness and production efficiency—the large cutting angle. The radial feed motion is the radial feed of the abrasive belt under pressure as the metal layer on the machining surface is removed. This radial feed amount varies with the change in pressure of the abrasive belt on the inner hole surface.

During internal hole sizing, the low surface roughness is achieved due to a high number of abrasive particles engaged in cutting simultaneously, a low pressure of the abrasive strip, and minimal repetition of the abrasive cutting paths. The abrasive properties, hardness, and binder used in the abrasive strip during internal honing directly impact the surface roughness and production rate. White aluminum oxide and green silicon carbide are commonly used abrasives in honing strips. Adding 20-30% of graphite powder to the abrasive can enhance the abrasive friction and polishing action on the work surface, reducing the surface roughness. Clay, resin, or rubber are commonly used binders in honing strips. Resin or rubber binders, with their good elasticity, can strengthen the polishing action of the strip and achieve lower surface roughness, and are generally used in semi-finish and finish honing processes. The hardness of the abrasive strip also significantly affects honing operations. Soft abrasive strips have good self-excitation, strong cutting action, and high production rates, but are prone to surface scratches. Hard abrasive strips have poor cutting action but result in a lower surface roughness after processing.