Journal of Materials Processing Technology 149 (2004) 22–29
Parametric study of magnetic abrasive finishing process Dhirendra K. Singh1 , V.K. Jain∗ , V. Raghuram Mechanical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, India Accepted 10 October 2003
Abstract In the present investigation on magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) process, Taguchi design of experiments is applied to find out important parameters influencing the surface quality generated. Important parameters influencing the surface quality generated during the MAF are identified as: (i) voltage (DC) applied to the electromagnet, (ii) working gap, (iii) rotational speed of the magnet, and (iv) abrasive size (mesh number). Experimental results indicate that for a change in surface roughness (Ra ), voltage and working gap are found to be the most significant parameters followed by grain mesh number and then rotational speed. To analyze the finishing process, a force transducer has been designed and fabricated to measure forces acting during MAF. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Keywords: Taguchi method; MAF; FMAB; Dynamometer; Forces; Nanometer; Surface roughness
1. Introduction It is difficult to finish advanced engineering materials such as silicon nitride, silicon carbide, and aluminum oxide by conventional grinding and polishing techniques with superfinish, accuracy, and minimal surface defects such as microcracks. These advanced engineering materials are being used in high-tech industries because of their lightweight and high corrosive resistance. Recently, application of magnetic field in the control of manufacturing processes has become of interest. For example, magnetic abrasive flow machining, magnetic float polishing, magnetorheological abrasive flow finishing, and magnetic abrasive finishing are some of such processes. Magnetic field assisted manufacturing processes are relatively new finishing processes and they are becoming effective in finishing, cleaning, deburring and burnishing of metal and advanced engineering material parts. Some findings related to MAF process are reported in this paper. Shinmura et al. [1] have studied the basic principle of the MAF process and concluded that the surface roughness (Rmax ) decreases with increase in flux density and decrease in working gap. Rmax has been achieved as low as 0.25 m on flat stainless steel (SUS 304) of 1.2 mm thickness. This process has been applied to numerous products and it is capable of producing surface finish of the order ∗ Corresponding author. Tel.: +91-512-2597916; fax: +91-512-25900007. E-mail address:
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