Eccentric magnetic abrasive finishing of 316 steel

This paper presents a new method of eccentric magnetic-abrasive finishing as applied to 316 stainless steel. The proposed solution is based on solid ferromagnetic abrasive grains (Fe-Si) held by an external magnetic field. A workpiece fixed in a holder with a certain eccentricity is inserted between the grains and the holder is rotated. The use of an additional eccentricity has a significant impact on the nature of the process, in particular, it increases the speed of the sample relative to the abrasive grains, makes it possible to use more abrasive grains, induces mixing abrasive grains, which can prolong their active life time. In this study, a three-factor, five-level design of experiment was conducted. The variable parameters were: machining time, eccentric value, and rotational speed. Samples in the form of rollers with a diameter of 3 mm were mounted in a special holder that allowed to obtain the assumed eccentricity. Based on the results obtained, regression equations were developed for selected roughness parameters Ra, Rz, Rq, Rt. The value of Ra roughness decreased from the initial value of 0.575 μm to a value below 0.1 μm (an 80% decrease) in 9.1 min. The results obtained provided the basis for further research in conducting eccentricity in magnetic-abrasive machining as an intensifying element of the process.