FINISHING OF EDMED INCONEL-718 SURFACE THROUGH ABRASIVE FLOW MACHINING

Abstract

Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM) is a new non-traditional machining process used to deburr, radius, polish, and remove recast layer of components used in a wide range of applications. This process is particularly useful for difficult to reach internal passages,bends,cavities and edges. Material removal in AFM takes place by flowing medium across the surface to be machined. An hybrid of the basic AFM process is attempted by additional centrifugal profile rod to assist the media to flow in a spiral way termed as "Spiral Flow Assisted Abrasive Flow Machining" (SFAAFM) process; interaction of selected (significant) process parameters on process performance and the evaluation of the process performance were carried out using the response surface methodology. The experimentation was performed on Inconel 718 workpieces by using horizontal Abrasive Flow Machining setup, The results shows significant improvement in surface roughness and material removal rate.