Modern Developments in Magnetic Field Assisted Abrasive Flow Machining Processes

Abstract

The demand of highly precise, accurate and the good Surface Finish (SF) products has led to the development of precision finishing processes. This article highlighted the latest advancements in one of the precision finishing process i.e. Magnetic Field Assisted Abrasive Flow Machining (MFAAFM) process with the use of the magnetic field around the work piece in abrasive flow machining, we can increase the Material Removal Rate (MRR) as well as the SF. This process was developed in early 2000’s as a technique for deburring, polishing and radiusing tough to reach surfaces like complicated configurations and edges/boundaries by flowing a magnetic abrasive polymeric medium across them. The medium extruded forward and backward between two vertically opposed hydraulic cylinders across transit created by the workpiece and tooling. Abrasion of workpiece takes place wherever the medium proceeds across the highly confining transit. The major elements of MFAAFM process are the machine, tooling and the magnetic abrasive medium. Process input parameters such as Magnetic Flux Density (MFD), extrusion pressure, the number of processing cycles, magnetic abrasives constituents, fixture design have the largest impact on MFAAFM performance characteristics such as Material Removal Rate (MRR) and SF. MFAAFM process have the potential to achieve a very fine SF, deburr very tiny holes and radius edges of very small dimensions. MFAAFM has the wide scope of uses in industries including automotive, aviation, precision dies, medicinal, electronics. For improved surface integrity, texture and its performance, persistent advancements are taking place for changing the current MFAAFM process technology and MFAAFM machine arrangement.