Nanometric surface finishing of typical industrial components by abrasive flow finishing

The evolution of ultra precision finishing processes due to the continuous demand of stringent functional and technological requirement of the components has led to the emergence and development of the non-conventional abrasive flow finishing (AFF) process. This could be attributed to the need for relaxation of tool limitations: precise finishing of complex geometries and internal passages in typical industrial components. Herein, the abrasive laden polymer conforms onto the work piece geometry due to its flow characteristics overcoming the shape limitations inherent in conventional finishing processes. The paper describes nanometric surface finishing of typical prosthetic implants and an extrusion die used in bio-medical and pharmaceutical industries, respectively. Finishing and deburring of a propeller and a shuttle valve used in aerospace applications are also discussed. The study highlights the possibility of successful extension and implementation of AFF process in simultaneous ultra precision finishing applications of industrial components. The versatility, functional, and stochastic aspect of the developed AFF system in surface finishing of ferrous and non-ferrous components is also emphasized.