Abstract
Freeform surfaces are being used in a multiplicity of applications in different kinds of industries related to Bio-medical (Bio-implants), micro channels in micro fluidics, automotives, turbine blades, impellers of artificial heart pumps, automobiles etc. Different parts in these industries need nano-level surface finish as their functional inevitability. It is very difficult and challenging to achieve high level of surface finish, especially on the components having freeform (or sculptured) surfaces, complex shapes, and 3-D features. Surface finish is a significant factor, which affects life and functionality of a product. Many traditional and advanced finishing processes have been developed for finishing of freeform/sculptured surfaces but still it has not been possible to achieve uniform nano level surface finish specially in case of freeform surfaces. To overcome the limitations of the existing nanofinishing processes, researchers are developing new processes for uniform nanofinishing of freeform surfaces. In this article, an attempt has been made to review different nanofinishing processes employed for freeform surfaces useful in different types of applications. In addition, experimental work, theoretical analysis and existing challenges of the finishing processes have been identified to fill the research gap.
Highlights
IntroductionThe term nanofinishing relates to surface integrity which is one of the most vibrant and challenging task
In manufacturing trades, the term nanofinishing relates to surface integrity which is one of the most vibrant and challenging task
Traditional finishing processes are further classified into three sub-sections À (i) Rigid tool based finishing, (ii) Robot based finishing, (iii) Computer numerical control (CNC) based finishing
Summary
The term nanofinishing relates to surface integrity which is one of the most vibrant and challenging task. A surface which has no axis of rotation is called freeform/ sculptured surface and cannot be expressed by a single mathematical equation [1,2] These implants are the devices where nano level uniform surface finish in contact zone plays vital role in their functional performance. To achieve nano level uniform surface finish on freeform surfaces is difficult due to non-rotational symmetry, and irregular and complex geometries. In case of a knee joint (bio-implant), wear by abrasion is one of the main causes for its failure due to continuous movement between the metal and plastic parts (Fig. 1a). The existing challenges and their possible solutions have been identified to bridge the research gap in the field of nanofinishing
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