Here, we present a newly developed technique, plasma-shot grinding (PSG), which can be used to apply plasma-shot treatment and grinding with a single machine to generate a low wear/low friction surface. Preliminary experiments were conducted to determine optimal conditions for PSG with plasma-shot equipment and a surface grinding machine separately. Discharge dimples were prepared on workpieces through the plasma-shot equipment with a titanium carbide (TiC) electrode. The surfaces were then ground with different cutting depths to evaluate the effects of grinding depth on the residual amount of TiC, dimple shape, and friction characteristics. Finally, PSG experiments were performed with a single machine, and an optimal protocol was determined.

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This study was performed to clarify the effects of fine particle peening treatment on various characteristics, such as strength of Ti-50% Ni shape memory alloy. Examination of the influence of deformation and shape recovery on repetitive strength characteristics indicated that strength against repetition can be improved without impairing shape recovery characteristics by fine particle peening treatment. It is revealed that the influence layer due to fine particle peening near the surface is a factor for improving the strength. Furthermore, this layer with an amorphous fine austenite + martensite structure showed excellent corrosion resistance.

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