Study of Surface Finishing Process using Magneto-rheological Fluid (MRF)

Abstract

This research developed a new type of magnetic finishing tool, Magneto-rheological fluid (MRF)-based slurry, for a magnetic field assisted internal finishing process for nonferrous components. This magnetic finishing tool consists of iron particles, solvent, and WA abrasive. In this study, following conclusions are drawn regarding the finishing characteristic of MRF-based slurry: Iron particle concentration of MRF-based slurry affects the magnetic force and thus affects the viscosity. Increase in the viscosity of MRF-based slurry-by controlling the solid particle (i.e., iron particle and WA abrasive) concentration-inhibits the movement of the WA abrasive in the finishing zone and disturbs the effective finishing behavior. The size of the WA abrasive particles is required to be smaller than the size of the iron particles. The decrease of the size of the WA abrasive particles leads to a smoother finished surface by the smaller depth of cut of the WA abrasive. MRF-based slurry stirs the cutting edges of the WA abrasive mixed in MRF-based slurry and generates the intermittent scratches on the inner surface of the components.