Automation Finish Processes of Sword Surface Using Burnishing Assistance

Abstract

A new method of automated finishing that employs a nonconductive stone as the burnishing tool to execute burnishing assistance in electrochemical finishing following sword machining is investigated. The submitted processes can be used for various sword-form operations. Among the factors primarily discussed is the performance of electrochemical finishing combined with burnishing. In the experiment, an electrode is used with continuous and pulsed direct current. The controlled factors include the material of burnishing tool, the geometry of burnishing tool, and the chemical composition and concentration of the electrolyte. The experimental parameters are flow rate of electrolytes, feed rate of electrode and burnishing tool, electrical current rating, and pulsed period. Higher current rating with a quicker feed rate of the finishing tool effectively reaches the fast improvement of the surface roughness of the workpiece. The use of a large electrolytic flow rate is advantageous to the finish effect. The finish effect is better with longer off-time because discharge of the finish dregs becomes easier. The use of pulsed current, however, raises the machining time and cost. The design change of the electrochemical finishing to the electrochemical finishing and burnishing performs the best finishing make the surface of the swords smooth and bright. An effective and low-cost automation and the continuity finish processes through the design tool and using the burnishing assistance in the electrochemical finishing are high efficiency and low-cost means.