Development and investigation of the magnetorheological abrasive finishing (MRAF) system to nano-finish exterior cylindrical surfaces

ABSTRACT

The invention of magnetorheological abrasive finishing (MRAF) techniques has been prompted by the ever-increasing demand for nano-finished exterior surfaces of cylindrical work samples. In the present study, a novel form of the MRAF system to nano-finish the exterior cylindrical surfaces of various diameters has been devised and their finishing mechanism is discussed. The finishing experiments have been carried out to examine the finishing capabilities of newly devised MRAF system. Taguchi’s parameter design approach has been employed to find the optimal combination of finishing parameters to achieve high-quality surface of S.S.-316 L cylindrical work-sample. The obtained results have been analyzed statistically which demonstrate that the chosen parameters namely F-to-S iron ratio, d.c. supply, work sample rotational speed and linear feed rate have significant effect on the percentage change in average surface roughness (%ΔR_a). The effect of finishing time on R_a has also been explored, with the findings revealing that a minimum R_a value of 0.074 µm was attained after 60 minutes of finishing time, demonstrating the developed MRAF process’s superior capabilities.

KEYWORDS:

• Surface roughness
• cylindrical work-samples
• magnetorheological abrasive finishing
• external surfaces
• magnetic field
• magnetorheological finishing fluid
• abrasives
• nano finishing
• electromagnet
• iron particles

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for the facilities and support provided by U.I.E.T., Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).