Tribological surface and lapping method and system therefor

A mechanical system for lapping a metal working surface, the system comprising:

• (a) a workpiece having the metal working surface;
• (b) a lapping tool having a contact surface, said contact surface for disposing generally opposite the working surface, said contact surface including an organic, polymeric material;
• (c) a plurality of particles, including abrasive particles, said abrasive particles for disposing between said contact surface and the working surface, and
• (d) a mechanism, associated with at least one of the working surface and said contact surface, for applying a relative motion between said contact surface and the metal working surface, and for exerting a load on said contact surface and the working surface,
• said contact surface for providing an at least partially elastic interaction with said plurality of abrasive particles,
• and wherein said contact surface and said mechanism are designed and configured, and said plurality of particles is selected, such that upon activation of said mechanism, said relative motion under said load effects:
• (i) lapping of the metal working surface, and
• (ii) incorporation of inorganic particles into the metal working surface,
• said inorganic particles having a Mohs hardness of at least 8.