Rheological characterization of magnetorheological polishing fluid for MRAFF

The finishing action in magnetorheological abrasive flow finishing (MRAFF) process relies mainly on bonding strength around abrasive particles in magnetorheological polishing (MRP) fluid due to cross-linked columnar structure of carbonyl iron particles. The fluid flow behaviour of MRP fluid exhibits a transition from weak Bingham liquid-like structure to a strong gel-like structure on the application of magnetic field. Depending on the size and volume concentration of abrasives and carbonyl iron particles (CIPs) in the base medium, the rheological properties hence, bonding strength gained by abrasives through surrounding CIP chains varies. To study the effect of particle size on rheological properties of MRP fluid, a hydraulically driven specially designed capillary magnetorheometer was fabricated. The rheological properties of MRP fluids in the homogeneous magnetic field perpendicular to the shear flow direction are evaluated. The three constitutive models, viz. Bingham plastic, Herschel–Bulkley and Casson’s fluid, are used to characterise the rheological behaviour of MRP fluid by fitting the rheological data obtained from capillary magnetorheometer and evaluating respective constants in their constitutive equations.     

Analysis of magnetorheological abrasive flow finishing (MRAFF) process

A new precision finishing process called magnetorheological abrasive flow finishing (MRAFF), which is basically a combination of abrasive flow machining (AFM) and magnetorheological finishing (MRF), has been developed for nano-finishing of parts even with complicated geometry for a wide range of industrial applications. In this paper microstructure of the mixture of magnetic and abrasive particles in magnetorheological polishing fluid (MRPF) has been proposed, and normal force on the abrasive particles is calculated from the applied magnetic field. A model for the prediction of material removal and surface roughness achieved has also been presented. And, finally theoretical results are compared with the experimental data available in the literature, and they are found to agree well.     

Nanofinishing of freeform surfaces (knee joint implant) by rotational-magnetorheological abrasive flow finishing (R-MRAFF) process

Freeform complex surfaces have become an inevitable part of many devices to perform specific functions. Some of these components require nanolevel surface roughness value to meet the desired requirements in their applications. Finishing of freeform surfaces to nanometer surface roughness value is always difficult for any process. Rotational-magnetorheological abrasive flow finishing (R-MRAFF) process has been applied so far for finishing internal surfaces of relatively simple geometry. In this work, an attempt has been made to improve external topography of freeform surfaces using this process. Large hydrodynamic pressure coupled with magnetic fluid is the principal idea behind these experiments. A smooth mirror like finished surface is achieved with improved finishing rate (nanometer/min) by controlling two motions (axial and rotational) simultaneously on stainless steel workpiece similar to knee joint implant. Magnetorheological polishing fluid with different mesh sizes of abrasive particles and at different extrusion pressures is used to reduce final surface roughness value, to increase uniformity of surface finish on the freeform surface and to enhance finishing rate. Surface roughness ranging from 35 to 78 nm is achieved at various locations as compared to larger variation in Ra value obtained in the earlier research work.     

Nanofinishing of flat workpieces using rotational–magnetorheological abrasive flow finishing (R-MRAFF) process

A new finishing process named as “rotational–magnetorheological abrasive flow finishing (R-MRAFF)” has been proposed to enhance the finishing performance of MRAFF process. In this process, a rotation cum reciprocating motion is provided to the polishing medium by a rotating magnetic field and hydraulic unit. By intelligently controlling these two motions, a uniform smooth mirror-like finished surface with improved material removal rate and finishing rate (nanometer per cycle) is achieved for both stainless steel and brass workpieces. From the preliminary experiments, it is found that R-MRAFF process produces better results than MRAFF. Experiments have been planned using design of experiments technique. Analysis of variance is conducted to find out the contribution of each model term affecting percent improvement in surface finish. The optimum finishing conditions are identified from optimization study. The present study shows that the combinations of rotational speed of the magnet and its square term together have the highest contribution to the percentage improvement in surface roughness. Other significant parameters in the order of decreasing percent contribution to the change in surface roughness value are finishing cycles, extrusion pressure, and fluid composition. The best surface finish obtained on stainless steel and brass workpieces with R-MRAFF process are 110 and 50 nm, respectively. From the scanning electron micrographs and atomic force micrographs, it has been observed that the abrasive cutting marks generate cross-hatch pattern on the surface finished by R-MRAFF process.     

Nano–level finishing of single crystal silicon blank using magnetorheological finishing process

Magnetorheological finishing (MRF) utilizes magnetorheological (MR) fluid, which consists of magnetic particles, nonmagnetic abrasives, and some additives in water or other carrier to polish the materials. An experimental study is conducted to predict the effect of process parameters (concentration of magnetic particles and abrasive particles, carrier wheel speed, and initial surface roughness) on surface finish and material removal rate in MRF of single crystal silicon blank. The final surface roughness value in terms of arithmetical mean roughness (Ra) obtained is as low as 8 nm from the initial value of 1300 nm. An optimization study is also carried out to find optimum values of process parameters from the selected range.     

NANO-FINISHING OF STAINLESS-STEEL TUBES USING ROTATIONAL MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL ABRASIVE FLOW FINISHING PROCESS

A new polishing method called Rotational (R)-Magnetorheological Abrasive Flow Finishing (MRAFF) process has been proposed by rotating a magnetic field applied to the Magnetorheological polishing (MRP) medium in addition to the reciprocating motion provided by the hydraulic unit to finish internal surface of cylindrical stainless steel (non-magnetic) workpiece. By intelligently controlling these two motions uniform smooth mirror-like finished surface in the range of nm has been achieved. For parametric analysis of the process, the experiments have been planned using design of experiments technique and response surface regression analysis is performed to analyze the effects of process parameters on finishing performance. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is conducted and contribution of each model term affecting percent improvement in surface finish is calculated. The experimental results are discussed and optimum finishing conditions are identified from optimization study. The present study shows that rotational speed of the magnet has most significant effect on output response (percentage improvement in surface roughness, %ΔR _a ). The best surface finish obtained on stainless steel workpiece with R-MRAFF process is 16 nm.     

磁流变变间隙动压平坦化加工力特性研究

磁流变变间隙动压平坦化加工利用工件的轴向低频振动使磁流变液产生挤压强化效应,可以有效提高加工效果并使光电晶片快速获得纳米级表面粗糙度。通过旋转式测力仪试验研究不同变间隙参数对磁流变变间隙动压平坦化加工过程中抛光正压力的影响规律,结果表明,在工件轴向低频振动作用下,抛光正压力形成脉冲正值和负值周期性的动态变化过程;将工件轴向低频振动过程分解为下压过程与拉升过程,下压速度和拉升速度对动态抛光力有不同的响应特性;随着最小加工间隙的减小抛光正压力会急剧增大;设置最小加工间隙停留时间观察抛光正压力变化,可以发现在工件最小加工间隙停留期间抛光力从峰值逐渐衰减并趋于平稳;挤压振动幅值对抛光正压力影响较小。建立了磁流变变间隙动压平坦化加工材料去除模型,弄清了在动态压力作用下,磨料更新及其附加运动机制,研究了磁流变变间隙动压平坦化加工过程中磨料颗粒对工件表面柔性划擦和微量去除的作用机理,为磁流变变间隙动压平坦化加工的工艺优化提供了理论依据。     

金属材料磁流变抛光液的研究

介绍了磁流变光整加工的原理和特点,配制出了可满足金属材料磁流变光整加工的磁流变抛光液,该磁流变抛光液具有良好的流变性和稳定性。用所配置的磁流变抛光液对45#钢进行了抛光实验,实验表明该磁流变抛光液具有良好的抛光性能,可使试件表面粗糙度值达到Ra=0.2 um。     

On the effect of relative size of magnetic particles and abrasive particles in MR fluid-based finishing process

Magnetorheological fluid-based finishing (MRFF) process is widely used for fabrication of optical material such as glasses, lenses, mirrors, etc. Performance of the process is significantly affected by the properties (size, concentration, hardness, etc.) of the constituents of MR fluid. MR fluids have been prepared by varying three abrasive particles mean sizes (4 µm, 6 µm and 9 µm) with carbonyl iron particles (CIPs) having average particles size of 6 µm. Yield stress of MR fluids is measured using a rheometer. The composition of the fluid has CIPs of 25%, abrasive 10% (by volume) and rest of the base medium (liquid). The yield stress was evaluated at magnetic flux density of 0.33 Tesla. It is observed that MR fluid having the same particle size of CIPs and abrasive particles exhibits higher yield stress as compared to other combinations. The lowest yield stress is observed in case of 9 µm abrasive particles size. A set of finishing experiments is carried out to understand the effect of relative size of magnetic particles and abrasive particles on surface roughness values.     

Polishing of the aluminum sheets with magnetic abrasive finishing method

Recent needs to superfinished surfaces have motivated researchers to study on modern methods of polishing. Magnetic-assisted finishing is one of those methods which can generate mirror-like finished surfaces. This paper investigates the effects of some parameters, i.e., rotational speed of the permanent magnetic pole, working gap between the permanent pole and the workpiece, number of cycles, and the weight of the abrasive particles on aluminum surface finishing. Three-level full factorial method was used as design of experiments technique to study the selected factors. A total of 54 designed tests were done on aluminum sheet using an innovative material removal mechanism. Analysis of variance was used to determine significant factors and also to obtain an equation based on data regression. Experimental results indicate that the number of cycles and working gap are the most significant parameters on surface roughness change (?Ra), followed by rotational speed and then weight of powder.     

集群磁流变变间隙动压平坦化加工试验研究

为了提高光电晶片集群磁流变平坦化加工效果,提出集群磁流变变间隙动压平坦化加工方法,探究各工艺参数对加工效果的影响规律。以蓝宝石晶片为研究对象开展了集群磁流变变间隙动压平坦化加工和集群磁流变抛光对比试验,通过检测加工表面粗糙度、材料去除率,观测加工表面形貌、集群磁流变抛光垫中磁链串受动态挤压前后形态变化,研究挤压幅值、工件盘转速、挤压频率以及最小加工间隙等工艺参数对加工效果的影响规律。试验结果表明：集群磁流变平坦化加工在施加工件轴向微幅低频振动后,集群磁流变抛光垫中形成的磁链串更粗壮,不但使其沿工件的径向流动实现磨粒动态更新、促使加工界面内有效磨粒数增多,而且在工件与抛光盘之间的加工间隙产生动态抛光压力、使磨粒与加工表面划擦过程柔和微量化,形成了提高材料去除效率、降低加工表面粗糙度的机制。对于2英寸蓝宝石晶电（1英寸=2.54 cm）集群磁流变变间隙动压平坦化加工与集群磁流变抛光加工效果相比,材料去除率提高19.5%,表面粗糙度降低了42.96%,在挤压振动频率1 Hz、最小加工间隙1 mm、挤压幅值0.5 mm、工件盘转速500 r/min的工艺参数下进行抛光可获得表面粗糙度为Ra0.45 nm的超光滑表面,材料去除率达到3.28 nm/min。证明了集群磁流变变间隙动压平坦化加工方法可行有效。     

ABRASIVE-BASED NANO-FINISHING TECHNIQUES: AN OVERVIEW

The surface finishing techniques can be divided into two categories: traditional and advanced. To overcome some of the problems of traditional finishing techniques, hybridized processes have been evolved by the researchers. Some of the advanced finishing processes that have been reviewed are abrasive flow machining (AFM), magnetorheological finishing (MRF), magnetorheological abrasive flow finishing (MRAFF), magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF), chemo mechanical polishing (CMP), etc. Most of these processes have been developed in the recent past and they can be employed to produce optical, mechanical, and electronic components with micrometer or sub-micrometer form accuracy and surface roughness within nanometer range with hardly any surface defects. However for large size flat components, MAF seems to be the most suitable finishing process. In MAF, DC power supply is given to the electromagnet hence intermixing of ferromagnetic abrasive particles during the process does not take place and the worn out cutting edges keep interacting with the workpiece surface. As a result, the finishing rate is quite low. The use of pulsed DC power supply to the electromagnet results in pulsating flexible magnetic abrasive brush (P-FMAB), which substantially enhances the finishing rate. The on-line measurement of the forces has helped in understanding the mechanism of material removal during Static-FMAB (S-FMAB) and Pulsating-FMAB. The magnitude of normal magnetic force (originating indentations) in P-FMAB has been found to be dynamic in nature and substantially high in magnitude as compared to S-FMAB.     

Effect of fluid composition on nanofinishing of single-crystal silicon by magnetic field-assisted finishing process

Magnetic field-assisted finishing is a deterministic process particularly used for finishing optical materials. The main component of this process is magnetorheological fluid which consists of magnetic particles, abrasive particles, carrier fluid such as water or oil, and some additives to impart stability. Under the influence of magnetic field (generated by either permanent magnet or electromagnet), magnetic particles form chain-like structure and support many abrasive particles to perform finishing of workpiece surface. Selection of abrasive and carrier fluid in this process is one of the major concerns which play vital role on finishing mechanism and surface quality. In the present experimental investigation, aluminum oxide and cerium oxide are chosen as abrasives while deionized water and paraffin oil are selected as carrier fluids. A set of experiments are carried out to study chemical interactions of abrasive and carrier fluid on the silicon surface. A rheological study is carried out to study behavior of magnetorheological fluid fluids under magnetic field.     

Electrolytic-abrasive mirror finishing

Using the electrolytic-abrasive mirror finishing method, large workpieces of stainless and ordinary carbon steel can be easily mirror-finished in a short time and with high efficiency, resulting in a surface roughness of up to 0.01–0.02 μm Rz. This method is based on the fact that the electrolytic effect is assisted by the removal action of abrasive grains within an appropriate current density range by the use of neutral salt-type electrolytes. In the past, the actual implementation of this method in the field of high-precision machining was not clearly defined and many unsolved technical problems remained. This paper clarifies the combined effects of the electrolytic dissolution and polishing action of abrasive grains in this method. It also describes the results of the experimental analysis of the surface roughness formation mechanism and the process for forming the required surface shape.     

磁力研磨法加工弯管内表面的工艺参数优化

利用磁力研磨法,使安装在六自由度机械手的磁力研磨装置带动弯管内部的磁粒刷沿弯管中心轴线往复运动,同时磁力研磨装置旋转,解决空间弯管内表面研磨加工的技术难题。选取了影响磁力研磨工艺抛光弯管内表面的主要工艺参数（磁极转速、加工间隙、磁性磨粒粒径、轴向进给速度）并应用正交试验设计法对钛合金弯管内表面进行了研磨试验,结合试验数据对工艺参数进行了分析和优化。通过对比钛合金弯管内表面研磨前后的表面粗糙度及形貌变化,验证了采用磁力研磨工艺对弯管内表面进行光整加工的可行性和可靠性。     

Study on improving the trajectory to elevate the surface quality of plane magnetic abrasive finishing

This paper aims to improve the surface integrity and surface homogeneity with various trajectories by a newly self-designed experiment device. In the experiments, three kinds of polishing trajectories were studied with attached revolution motion to magnetic abrasive brush (MAB) based on conventional magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) process. The surface roughness, the cross-sectional shape, and the 3D micro-morphology were chosen as the response variables to explore the feasibility and benefits of the proposed improving polishing method. The results show that the plane homogeneity and surface quality improved in varying degrees after improving the polishing trajectory. In addition, combining MAF theory to analyze related reasons, the trajectory expression of the magnetic abrasive particles (MAPs) was established and was simulated by Graph software. The theoretical analysis is consistent with the experimental results which indicated that analysis of polishing trajectory can be used to predict polishing results. Thus, it is feasible to plan polishing trajectory reasonable according to workpiece profile and surface quality requirements.     

对磁流变抛光技术中磁场的分析

本文对磁流变抛光(magnetorheological finishing)过程中所采用的梯度磁场,以及磁流变抛光液（MRP fluid）中的磁性颗粒在磁场中的受力情况进行了分析,进而证明了该磁场满足磁流变抛光的要求。最后以实验对其进行了验证。     

Design and fabrication of a novel polishing tool for finishing freeform surfaces in magnetic field assisted finishing (MFAF) process

Surface finish is a critical requirement for different applications in industries and research areas. Freeform surfaces are widely used in medical, aerospace, and automobile sectors. Magnetic field assisted finishing process can be used very efficiently to finish freeform surfaces. In this process, magnetorheological fluid is used as the polishing medium and permanent magnet is used to control its rheological properties to generate finishing force during polishing. To avail sufficient magnetic field in the finishing zone, it is necessary to design an optimum polishing tool. In the present study, a specially designed polishing tool is designed using a finite element based software package (Ansys Maxwell^®) based on Maxwell equations. At first, dimension of the permanent magnet is determined for designing optimum tool geometry. After that, dimension and configuration of the magnet fixture are optimized. A special type of metal named mu-metal which is a nickel-iron based alloy is selected for magnet fixture due to its magnetic-field shielding property. Mu-metal directs the magnetic flux lines in such a way that in the finishing zone the magnetic flux can be concentrated on the workpiece surface required for finishing. Also, the Mu-metal magnet fixture shields the magnetic field from outside environment so that MR fluid as well as any surrounding magnetic materials do not stick to the polishing tool. Experiments are carried out to validate the Maxwell simulation results to compare the magnetic flux distribution on the workpiece surface which shows good agreement between them. Also, finishing of flat titanium workpieces are carried out and it is found that the novel polishing tool has the capability to finish the workpieces in the nanometer range.     

Surface roughness modeling in chemically etched polishing of Si (100) using double disk magnetic abrasive finishing

Abstract

The present paper focuses on proposing a new method for determining the surface roughness of chemically etched polishing of Si (100) using double disk magnetic abrasive finishing (DDMAF). Based on chemical etching in KOH solution Vicker’s hardness of Si (100) at different concentration of KOH was determined in context to chemical etching phenomenon. A mathematical relationship was established to relate Vicker’s hardness of Si (100) as a function of the concentration of KOH. The penetration depth of abrasive particle into Si (100) workpiece was determined considering viz; the normal force acting on the abrasive particle under the influence of magnetic flux density and Vicker’s hardness of etched Si (100). The other modeling variables such as wear constant, penetration area of the abrasive particle into Si (100) workpiece which is dependent on the penetration depth of abrasive particle was modified in terms of magnetic flux density and concentration of KOH. The process parameters such as working gap, abrasive mesh number and the rotational speed of the primary magnet were also considered in modeling the surface roughness. The results of surface roughness obtained by the model were also experimentally validated. The theoretical and experimental findings agreed well with each other.     

Simulation of surface generated during abrasive flow finishing of Al/SiCp-MMC using neural networks

Abrasive flow machining (AFM) is a multivariable finishing process which finds its use in difficult to finish surfaces on difficult to finish materials. Near accurate prediction of generated surface by this process could be very useful for the practicing engineers. Conventionally, regression models are used for such prediction. This paper presents the use of artificial neural networks (ANN) for modeling and simulation of response characteristics during AFM process in finishing of Al/SiC_p metal matrix composites (MMCs) components. A generalized back-propagation neural network with five inputs, four outputs, and one hidden layer is designed. Based upon the experimental data of the effects of AFM process parameters, e.g., abrasive mesh size, number of finishing cycles, extrusion pressure, percentage of abrasive concentration, and media viscosity grade, on performance characteristics, e.g., arithmetic mean value of surface roughness (R _a, micrometers), maximum peak–valley surface roughness height (R _t, micrometers), improvement in R _a (i.e., ΔR _a), and improvement in R _t (i.e., ΔR _t), the networks are trained for finishing of Al/SiC_p-MMC cylindrical components. ANN models are compared with multivariable regression analysis models, and their prediction accuracy is experimentally validated.