Performance of abrasives used in magnetically assisted finishing: A state of the art review

Modern aerospace and electronic industries make frequent use of the difficult to machine materials. The micro machining of these materials with conventional edged tool is uneconomical with poor quality of the surface. A relatively new micromachining technology based on magnetic assistance has been used in the recent past to produce quality surface finish on these materials. The magnetic abrasives play an essential role of cutting tools in these processes. However, the magnetic abrasives are not easily available as these are produced by special techniques. This paper highlights major existing technologies that are used to manufacture magnetic abrasives. Main performance characteristics of magnetic abrasives have also been reviewed as regards to micromachining of various surfaces. © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.