Abstract
Magnetic Abrasive Finishing (MAF) is one of the magnetic field assisted fine finishing processes, in which both magnetic force and cutting force are controlled by magnetic field and working gap. It can be applied to an impressive range of finishing operations, providing uniform, repeatable, predictable results, and higher productivity. In the present work, MAF experiments on alloy steel workpieces with SiC abrasives [600 mesh size (25.7μm)] mechanically mixed with ferromagnetic iron powder [300 mesh size (51.4μm)] and certain amount of lubricant indicate that the surface finish on the workpiece in the range of nanometer can be achieved. Experiments have been designed using statistical technique-design of experiments. Based upon the response surface analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA), it is concluded that current to the magnet, working gap, and rotational speed of the magnet are significant parameters which affect change in surface roughness.
