Experimental investigation of the effects of work piece hardness and abrasive particle size in rotational abrasive flow Machining

Rotational abrasive flow machining process (RAFM) is one of the modern surface polishing processes where in the material removal in micro and nano sizes is performed by tiny abrasive particles. Rotational abrasive flow machining is very effective in finishing of complex internal and external surfaces.in comparison with other finishing methods. In this study, the rotational abrasive flow machining process has been investigated in polishing of AISI H 13 hot work steel. The main objectives of workpiece rotation was increasing the material removal rate and decreasing the surface roughness of workpiece. So the effects of rotational speed and hardness of workpiece and the mesh size of abrasive particles as input variables on the output parameters including surface roughness and material removal rate have been studied. The results showed that applying of rotational speed of workpiece leads to higher material removal rate and lower surface roughness. Furthermore, the material removal rate is decreased and surface roughness is improved by increasing the mesh size of abrasive particles. Also, increasing the hardness of workpiece leads to decreasing the material removal rate, and in similar cutting conditions, the surface of workpiece with more hardness is better polished in comparison with the surface of workpiece with lower hardness.