Chapter 17 - Fundamental understanding and latest developments in magnetic field assisted finishing processes

Abstract

High geometric accuracy and precision surface finish are the two major factors responsible for the improved functional performance of engineered surfaces. Conventional finishing methods suffer from certain inherent limitations such as frequent tool failure and resharpening requirement, long process time, requirements of skilled labors, etc. The surface morphology requirement of the present era is also very difficult to achieve using conventional finishing methods. To overcome the challenges of conventional finishing, magnetic field-assisted finishing (MFAF) processes have been developed, which can accomplish surface finish in the nanometer range on various complex components made of metals and nonmetals. Magnetic abrasive finishing and magnetorheological finishing processes are examples of the MFAF process. Magnetorheological abrasive flow finishing, rotational magnetorheological abrasive flow finishing, ball-end magnetorheological finishing, and chemical-based MFAF are types of magnetorheological finishing processes. The required surface characteristics and surface finish in automotive, aerospace, medical, and other industries are dependent on the application of the component. These required surfaces can be generated by varying polishing media constituents with different experimental setups. This chapter introduces MFAF processes, explains their working principles and mechanisms, and highlights their specific application areas.