Key technologies and development trends of the soft abrasive flow finishing method

This paper reviews recent developments of the soft abrasive flow finishing (SAF) method in constraint space. The multiphase fluid dynamics modeling, material removal mechanism, auxiliary strengthening finishing techniques, and observation of surface impact effects by abrasive particles and cavitation bubbles are presented in brief. Development prospects and challenges are given for four aspects: thin-walled curved surfaces, biomedical functions, electronic information, and precise optical components.