Study on Magnetic Abrasive Finishing

This paper describes a new finishing process using magnetic abrasives in which the finishing pressure is generated by a magnetic field. The process principle and the finishing characteristics are described. Specifically, the effect of the magnetic abrasive particle size on stock removal and surface finish is investigated for cylindrical finishing. Based on the results, diamond coated magnetic abrasives were newly made to finish Si3N4 fine ceramic bars (12mm in dia.) and its finishing performances were clarified. The surface roughness of 0.45μmRa before finishing was improved to 0.04μmRa. It was also clarified that the precision edge finishing of about 0.01mm in radius was performed easily by this process.