Rotational abrasive flow finishing (R-AFF) process and its effects on finished surface topography

The present study focus on abrasive flow finishing (AFF), a process that finishes complex internal and external geometries with the help of viscoelastic abrasive medium, while keeping in mind its low finish and material removal rates (MRR). Researchers have often strived to improve finishing rate and MRR. As an attempt to overcome the said limitations, this paper discusses rotational abrasive flow finishing (R-AFF) process wherein complete tooling is externally rotated and the medium reciprocates with the help of hydraulic actuators. In this study, preliminary experiments are conducted on Al alloy and Al alloy/SiC metal matrix composites (MMCs) at different extrusion pressures, and medium compositions are employed for finding optimum conditions of the same for higher change in roughness (ΔR_a). The same optimum conditions are used to study the effect of workpiece rotational speed on (ΔR_a), material removal (MR), change in workpiece hardness and surface topology. It is noted that as the workpiece rotational speed increases from 2 to 10 RPM, the experimental helix angle decreases from 22° to 9° and the helical path length increases from 67 to 160 mm. Based on these findings the mechanism of material removal of matrix and reinforcement in MMC using R-AFF have been proposed. Here the matrix material is removed by micro-cutting and three methods of material removal mechanisms for reinforcement are also explained. The scientific logic behind finishing mechanism of matrix and reinforcement, cross hatch patterns, helical path directions, micro-scratch (μ-scratch) width and depth variation with size, orientation and support that active abrasive grain obtains from neighboring abrasives is derived from scanning electron microscopy micrographs. Finally this study establishes that R-AFF can produce 44% better ΔR_a and 81.8% more MR compared to the AFF process. Accordingly, R-AFF generates micro cross hatch pattern on the finished surface that can improve lubricant holding capabilities.     

Design and development of the magnetorheological abrasive flow finishing (MRAFF) process

A new precision finishing process for complex internal geometries using smart magnetorheological polishing fluid is developed. Magnetorheological abrasive flow finishing (MRAFF) process provides better control over rheological properties of abrasive laden magnetorheological finishing medium. Magnetorheological (MR) polishing fluid comprises of carbonyl iron powder and silicon carbide abrasives dispersed in the viscoplastic base of grease and mineral oil; it exhibits change in rheological behaviour in presence of external magnetic field. This smart behaviour of MR-polishing fluid is utilized to precisely control the finishing forces, hence final surface finish. A hydraulically powered experimental setup is designed to study the process characteristics and performance. The setup consists of two MR-polishing fluid cylinders, two hydraulic actuators, electromagnet, fixture and supporting frame. Experiments were conducted on stainless steel workpieces at different magnetic field strength to observe its effect on final surface finish. No measurable change in surface roughness is observed after finishing at zero magnetic field. However, for the same number of cycles the roughness reduces gradually with the increase of magnetic field. This validates the role of rheological behaviour of magnetorheological polishing fluid in performing finishing action.     

On ultrasonic assisted abrasive flow finishing of bevel gears

Finishing of bevel gears is an important requirement in many machining shop floors. Variants of abrasive flow machining (AFM) could be plausible solutions for finishing such parts with intricate geometries. In the present work, a relatively new variant of AFM called ultrasonically assisted abrasive flow machining (UAAFM) technique was employed to finish bevel gears made of EN8 steel. An analysis of the process has been presented with suitable illustrations. A finite element simulation of the behavior of the medium during finishing of bevel gears using the UAAFM process has been presented. A 3D model was constructed to simulate the flow of medium through the outer wall of the gear tooth surface using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. The velocity, pressure and temperature values along the length of the workpiece were computed for both UAAFM and the conventional AFM processes. Further, the effectiveness of the process was investigated through experimental trials by conducting a comparison study between classical AFM and UAAFM. Ultrasonic frequency, extrusion pressure, processing time and the media flow rate were considered as the input variables while improvements in surface finish and material removal were considered as the monitored outputs. Results confirm that improvements in surface roughness and material removal are significantly higher than those obtained with conventional abrasive flow machining. The study further reveals that, the applied high frequency (ultrasonic) vibration to the workpiece has the maximum influence on the process responses among the variables considered.     

Performance evaluation and rheological characterization of newly developed butyl rubber based media for abrasive flow machining process

The precision manufacturing technology always demands a good surface finish at low cost. This scenario drives both industries and research community to develop novel finishing processes. Presently, there are many techniques and one among them is abrasive flow machining (AFM) process. The media developed by optimum process variables mainly governs the performance of AFM. In the present experimental endeavor, an attempt is made in the direction of developing new media based on viscoelastic carrier and its characterization for fine finishing through AFM process. The newly developed media was again characterized through rheological properties. It is found that temperature, shear rate, creeping time and frequency have impact on rheological properties and the percentage ingredients of media govern trends of their relations.     

Fluid flow 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. This paper deals with the theoretical investigations into the mechanism of MRAFF process to study the effects of various process parameters. In the present work, an attempt has been made to analyze the medium flow through the fixture by finite difference method by assuming the medium as Bingham plastic to evaluate the stresses developed during the process. A capillary viscometer has been designed and fabricated to study the effect of magnetic field on the rheological properties of the medium. Microstructure of the mixture of ferromagnetic 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 has also been presented. Theoretical results compare well with the experimental data available in the literature.     

Simulation for the prediction of surface roughness in magnetic abrasive flow finishing (MAFF)

The final machining (or finishing) of precision parts with high level of surface finish and close tolerance is making the application of magnetic abrasive finishing technology increasingly important. Magnetic abrasive flow finishing (MAFF) is a new abrasive finishing process combining the features of abrasive flow finishing (AFF) and magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF). MAFF provides a high level of surface finish and close tolerances for wide range of industrial application. This paper focuses on the modeling and simulation for the prediction of surface roughness on the workpiece surface finished by MAFF process. A finite element model is developed to find the magnetic potential distribution in the magnetic abrasive brush formed during finishing action and then it is used to evaluate machining pressure, surface finish and material removal. The simulation results are compared with the experimental results available in the literature. The simulated workpiece surface roughness shows features similar in nature to the experimental results.     

Study the characteristics of magnetic finishing with gel abrasive

Given the flexible polishing effect in magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF), the precise and mirrorlike surface can be obtained during this process. However, the abrasives are easily flown away from the working area regardless of what abrasives are used in MAF; this situation will reduce the polished efficiency and induce the pollution problem in the environment. Besides, the abrasives cannot recycle after the finishing process. Therefore, a novel abrasive medium, using the silicone gel to mix the ferromagnetic particles and abrasive, was developed to enhance the disadvantages in MAF. Magnetic finishing with gel abrasive (MFGA) was utilized in this study to polish the cylindrical rod of mold steel; furthermore, this cylindrical rod was fixed in a horizontal chuck that could rotate and vibrate in the axial direction. This study focused on the finishing efficiencies and the surface roughness of the workpieces after MFGA. Moreover, recycling times of gel abrasive were also the main effects that need to be approved. The results demonstrated that surface roughness of the cylinder part was reduced to 0.1 μm Ra from an initial value of 0.677 μm Ra within 10 min, and surface roughness could decrease to 0.038 μm Ra after 30 min in MFGA. Surface roughness reduction in MFGA was 3 times of surface roughness reduction in MAF using the unbonded magnetic abrasive as medium. Roughness improvement rate still remained at a high level of 90% when the same abrasive medium (35 g) was used 15 times to finish 15 workpieces; therefore, this result proved that the gel abrasive had excellent ability for recycling.     

Study on the inner surface finishing of tubing by magnetic abrasive finishing

With the development of industry manufacturing technology, fine surface finish is in high demand in a wide spectrum of industrial applications. Presently, it is required that the parts used in manufacturing semiconductors, atomic energy parts, medical instruments and aerospace components have a very precise surface roughness. Amongst them, vacuum tubes, wave guides and sanitary tubes are difficult to polish by conventional finishing methods such as lapping, because of their shapes. The surface roughness of these tubes affects the performance of the entire system, but the finishing technology for these tubes is very scant in manufacturing fields. This project was proposed by a Shanghai Far East pharmaceutial and mechanical factory. They stated that the roughness of the inner surface must be less than 0.3 μm Ra after finishing. An internal magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) process is proposed for producing highly finished inner surfaces of tubes used in this study. The process principle and the finishing characteristics of unbounded magnetic abrasive within internal tubing finishing are described first. MAF setup was designed for finishing three kinds of materials tubing, such as Ly12 aluminum alloy, 316L stainless steel and H62 brass. Experimental results indicated that finishing parameters such as polishing speed, magnetic abrasive supply, abrasive material, magnetic abrasive manufacturing process and grain size have critical effects on the material removal rate (MRR). How the inner surface micro shape changes course during finishing of an aluminous tube is demonstrated.     

Systematic finishing of dies and moulds

Finishing is the final process in mold manufacturing. Although it produces the desired surface finish, it is a time-consuming process. But, there have been a few systematic methods to control the procedure. In this work, the machining characteristics of the finishing tools are studied by basic experiments. Concepts of critical surface roughness and removal volume are introduced to establish a systematic finishing process model that can find the finishing process requiring the least time. The process planned by an expert worker was compared with the process from the established model. The comparison showed that the new process from the established model took less time and generated less form error on the machined surface than the process planned by expert worker.     

Experimental investigations into abrasive flow machining (AFM)

A new non-traditional finishing process known as abrasive flow machining (AFM) is used to deburr, radius, polish and remove recast layer of components in a wide range of applications. The process is relatively new, although around 2000 machines are in use worldwide. Material is removed from the workpiece by flowing a semisolid visco-elastic/visco-plastic abrasive-laden medium across the surface to be finished. Areas inaccessible to traditional methods, and complex passages, can be finished to high quality by this process. The process embraces a wide range of feasible applications including aerospace, dies and moulds, automotive parts, medical components, etc.In the present work, the effects of different process parameters, such as number of cycles, concentration of abrasive, abrasive mesh size and media flow speed, on material removal and surface finish are studied. The dominant process parameter found is concentration of abrasive, followed by abrasive mesh size, number of cycles, and media flow speed. Experiments are performed with brass and aluminum as work materials. Experimental and theoretical results are compared. The machined surface texture is studied using scanning electron microscopy.     

Ultrasonic assisted magnetic abrasive finishing of hardened AISI 52100 steel using unbonded SiC abrasives

Ultrasonic assisted magnetic abrasive finishing (UAMAF) integrates the use of ultrasonic vibrations and magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) process to finish surfaces to nanometer order in a relatively short time. The present study emphasizes on the fabrication of UAMAF setup. Using this experimental setup, experimental studies have been carried out with respect to five important process parameters namely supply voltage, abrasive mesh number, rotation of magnet, abrasive weight percentage, and pulse on time (T_on) of ultrasonic vibrations selected based on literature available in the area of MAF process and ultrasonic generator controls. Percentage change in surface roughness (?Ra) for AISI 52100 steel workpiece has been considered as response and unbonded SiC abrasives are used in the work. The experimental results showed that the UAMAF process has better finishing potential as compared to those obtainable by using MAF process for similar processing conditions. The surface roughness value obtained by UAMAF was as low as 22 nm within 80 s on hardened AISI 52100 steel workpiece using unbonded SiC abrasives. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy studies were carried out to feel the surface texture produced and to identify finishing mechanism.     

Magnetic field assisted abrasive based micro-/nano-finishing

Micro-/nano-machining (abbreviated as MNM) processes are classified mainly in two classes: traditional and advanced. Majority of the traditional MNM processes are embedded abrasive or fixed geometry cutting tool type processes. Conversely, majority of the advanced MNM processes are loose flowing abrasive based processes in which abrasive orientation and its geometry at the time of interaction with the workpiece is not fixed. There are some MNM processes which do not come under the abrasive based MNM category, for example, laser beam machining, electron beam machining, ion beam machining, and proton beam machining. This paper gives a comprehensive overview of various flowing abrasive based MNM processes only. It also proposes a generalized mechanism of material removal for these processes. The MNM processes discussed in this paper include: Abrasive Flow Finishing (AFF), Magnetic Abrasive Finishing (MAF), Magnetorheological Finishing, Magnetorheological Abrasive Flow Finishing, Elastic Emission Machining (EEM) and Magnetic Float Polishing. EEM results in surface finish of the order of sub-nanometer level by using the nanometer size abrasive particles with the precisely controlled forces. Except two (AFF and EEM), all other processes mentioned above use a medium whose properties can be controlled externally with the help of magnetic field. This permits to control the forces acting on an abrasive particle hence the amount of material removed is also controlled. This class of processes is capable to produce surface roughness value of 8 nm or lower. Using better force control and still finer abrasive particles, some of these processes may result in the sub-nanometer surface roughness value on the finished part. Understanding the mechanism of material removal and rotation of the abrasives in these processes will help in rationalization of some of the experimental observations which otherwise seem to be contradicting with the established theories. It also explains why a magnet used in MAF should have a slot in it even though the area under the slot has “non-machining” zone. It elaborates based on the experimental observations why to use pulse D.C. power supply in MAF in place of smooth D.C. power supply.     

Vertical vibration-assisted magnetic abrasive finishing and deburring for magnesium alloy

The ultimate goal of this project is to develop an efficient finishing process enabling unskilled operators to finish automatically the complicated micro-curved surface and edge surface of the magnesium alloy. The results achieved in the first phase as described in this paper focus on the basic characteristics of the plane and edge surface finishing and deburring of this alloy by the use of vertical vibration-assisted magnetic abrasive finishing process. It demonstrates that realization of efficient finishing of magnesium alloy is possible by the process. The removal volume per unit time of magnesium alloy is larger than that of other materials such as brass and stainless, that is, high-efficiency finishing could be achieved. Micro-burr of magnesium alloy could be removed easily in a short time by the use of the magnetic abrasive finishing process. Furthermore, deburring efficiency considerably increases with vertical vibration assistance.     

Curved surface finishing with flexible abrasive tool

A flexible abrasive tool has been developed for automatic finishing of curved surfaces on three-axes machining centers. The tool is made of thermosetting polyurethane elastomer with an overcoat of aluminum oxide abrasives. The tool is capable of conducting finishing operations and deforming itself in conformity to the shape of work surface. The tool performance such as finishing capability, conformability, and durability is examined during finishing experiments on ball-end milled surfaces of high-alloyed tool steel. It is demonstrated that the tool can finish curved surfaces successfully on three-axes machining centers. The tool/work contact pressure, which influences significantly the tool performance, is analytically estimated and utilized to determine the tool path producing a constant contact pressure. It is experimentally verified that the tool path improves the finished surface roughness.     

模具型腔自动化磁力研磨光整加工

介绍了自由磨粒磁力研磨光整加工机理,在3_TPT五自由度并联机床上对模具型腔进行磁力研磨光整加工试验,研究了磁感应强度、研磨间隙、磨料粒度以及研具表面形状对模具型腔进行磁力研磨光整加工的影响及其变化规律。     

Study on cylindrical magnetic abrasive finishing using unbonded magnetic abrasives

The process principle and the finishing characteristics of unbonded magnetic abrasive within cylindrical magnetic abrasive finishing are described in this study. The unbonded magnetic abrasive is a mechanical mixture of SiC abrasive and ferromagnetic particles with a SAE30 lubricant. Iron grit and steel grit, for which three various particle sizes were prepared for both, were used as ferromagnetic particles, each of them being mixed with 1.2 and 5.5 μm SiC abrasive, respectively. Also, the finishing characteristics on surface roughness and material removal as well as their mechanisms were investigated. Experimental results indicate that steel grit is more suitable for magnetic abrasive finishing because of its superior hardness and the polyhedron shape. The variations of material characteristics on the work surface both before and after finishing were also investigated. Si content was increased obviously, however its corrosion resistibility decreased on a surface that was finished via steel grit mixed with SiC abrasive.     

Design and development of nanofinishing process for 3D surfaces using ball end MR finishing tool

A new precision finishing process for nanofinishing of 3D surfaces using ball end MR finishing tool is developed. The newly developed finishing process is used to finish ferromagnetic as well as nonmagnetic materials of 3D shapes using specially prepared magnetorheological polishing (MRP) fluid. The existing MR finishing devices and methods are likely to incapable of finish 3D intricate surfaces such as grooves in workpiece or complex in-depth profiles in the mold due to restriction on relative movement of finishing medium and workpiece. In this newly developed finishing device, the ball end MR finishing tool is used for finishing different kinds of 3D surfaces, as there is no limitation on relative movement of finishing medium and workpiece. It can finish the work surfaces similarly as the machining of 3D surfaces by CNC ball end milling cutter and open a new era of its applications in future. The developed process may have its potential applications in aerospace, automotive and molds manufacturing industries. A computer controlled experimental setup is designed and manufactured to study the process characteristics and performance. The magnetostatic simulations were done on ferromagnetic as well as nonferromagnetic materials of 3D surfaces to observe the ball end shape of magnetic field at the tip of the MR finishing tool. The experiments were performed on flat EN31 and groove surface of copper workpieces in the developed MR finishing setup to study the effect of finishing time on final surface roughness.     

Electrolytic magnetic abrasive finishing

Electrolytic magnetic abrasive finishing (EMAF) is a compound finishing process, involving traditional magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) and an electrolytic process. The aim of including the electrolytic process into the EMAF system is to produce a passive film (or oxide film), which is much easier to remove than the original metal surface during processing. Moreover, in the presence of both electric and magnetic fields, the negatively charged ions move toward the anode surface along a cycloid curve by the action of the Lorentz force. Under appropriate operating conditions, this phenomenon promotes electrolytic effects, resulting in a further increase in finishing efficiency, yielding a superior surface. This study describes the principles of the process, the finishing characteristics of surface roughness and material removal, and the associated mechanisms. Experimental results show that the EMAF process yields quite excellent finishing characteristics, better than those obtained by MAF, especially with a high electrolytic current. The process parameters such as electrolytic current, electrode gap, magnetic flux density, and rate of workpiece revolution must be appropriately fitted to obtain a superior refined surface with high efficiency.     

Investigation of the finishing characteristics in an internal tube finishing process by magnetic abrasive finishing combined with electrolysis

In this research, the finishing characteristics in a tube's internal finishing process using the method of magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) combined with electrolysis has been studied. Electrolysis produces an aluminium oxide film that accelerates the removal of the initial hairline morphology on the surface. Subsequently, the film is removed with MAF. This process significantly minimises the surface roughness in a reduced time. The way the finishing conditions, such as the pole–pipe gap, iron particle size and abrasiveness combinations, and processing time affected the surface morphology in the MAF machining process has been particularly examined. The surface roughness was measured and images of the finished surfaces were recorded to study the morphology changes. Prolonged electrolysis finishing was seen to deepen the oxidation film and pits, which adversely affects the surface. This evidence suggests that the pit residuals contribute to higher surface roughness values.     

PVA基粘弹性磁性磨具的实验研究及加工参数优化

目的检验新研制的PVA基粘弹性磁性磨具的表面光整加工性能,掌握配比参数、加工条件等因素对加工效果的影响规律,并对加工参数进行优化以达到最佳加工效果。方法以6061铝合金管外圆表面为光整加工实验对象,通过先导实验首先确定出影响加工效果的主要因素及其参数范围,而后基于响应曲面法实验,对主轴转速、两相质量比、磨粒尺寸及加工时长等因素与工件表面粗糙度下降率(%?Ra)之间的关系进行了探究分析。结果最后通过对实验结果进行方差分析,建立了PVA基粘弹性磁性磨具加工铝合金管外表面的%?Ra预测模型,并对影响参数进行了优化设计,得到在最佳实验条件下(加工时间46 min、两相质量比1.45、主轴转速635r/min、磨粒尺寸65目),工件表面粗糙度下降率为92.5%,最低表面粗糙度为59 nm,显著改善了加工效果。结论作为一种新型光整加工介质PVA基粘弹性磁性磨具,其具有良好的自适应性及流动性,能达到较好的光整加工效果。影响%?Ra的单因素显著性从强到弱依次为:加工时长、主轴转速、磨粒尺寸、两相质量比。交互作用显著的因子为两相质量比+主轴转速、加工时长+主轴转速、两相质量比+磨粒尺寸。在主轴转速、加工时长取高水平,两相质量比取中等水平,磨粒尺寸取低或高水平时,能得到较好的表面加工效果。