Experimental investigations on finishing characteristics and surface texture generated by a novel magnetically assisted externally supplied abrasive-based finishing process

This paper discusses a new magnetically assisted externally supplied abrasive-based finishing (MESAF) process and its material removal mechanism. In MESAF, a magnetic brush is formed with only ferromagnetic particles, and abrasive particles are delivered from a separate source as a suspension. The experiments were performed on the AZ31 alloy using a central composite design, and the response was recorded as the percentage change in the surface roughness. The final roughness value obtained was 0.047 µm from the initial 0.461 µm in 15 min of finishing, with a substantial change of 79.6% during the first 7 min. Texture analysis using SEM and EDS analysis revealed that the MESAF process produced a random scratching pattern with an unaltered surface composition compared to the straight lays and traces of MgO in the traditional MAF process. The atomic force microscopy revealed a uniform surface texture for the surface finished by the MESAF process. The residual stress analysis revealed a mild abrasion effect during the finishing. The study demonstrated that the MESAF process is highly effective for the nanofinishing of AZ31 implants.