Analysing the process behaviour of abrasive reaming using an experimental approach

Abrasive reaming is an innovative technique for bore finishing. Despite its widespread use, its process behaviour is still under-explored. Accurate control of bore precision in abrasive reaming is affected by many parameters such as feed rate, stock removal and abrasive grit size. Previous research work in this area concentrated only on key parameters and hence failed to deliver reliable information to improve the process. This paper analyses the process behaviour of abrasive reaming using the data obtained from detailed experiments. The effect and significance of individual factors on the bore geometry were assessed using a statistical approach. Process characteristics such as material removal, sidewall stripping and stick–slip behaviour have been analysed and it is shown that inputs such as grit size, amount of stock removal and dressing type are to be controlled.