Study of the Magnetic Tool Behavior and Its Relationship to the Processing Characteristics in a Magnetic Field Assisted Barrel Finishing Process

摘要

A magnetic field assisted barrel finishing process was proposed for surface and edge finishing of small complex workpieces, and it is being studied and applied to practical use, including the processing of small parts used for medical equipment and communication-related precision equipment. Magnetic tools, driven magnetically in the processing area, stir the compound and the workpieces, generating relative motion between them needed for processing. The previous research has primarily studied the development of machines, and the process has been characterized on the basis of trial-and-error application. However, there is still no fundamental understanding of the processing characteristics and mechanism. This paper explores the parameters affecting the behavior of magnetic tools and workpieces and examines their effects on the processing characteristics. Experiments under dry conditions, designed to enable observation of the tool and workpiece behavior, demonstrated the feasibility of the process for dry conditions, which would reduce the environmental impact of this process.