Detailed Review of Ball End Magnetorheological Fluid Finishing Process

Abstract

For precision finishing of various newly and difficult of finish materials like optical glasses, metals, 3D-printed workpieces etc. Ball End Magnetorheological Finishing (BEMRF) finishing processes has been recently developed. This method utilizes a paste like fluid consisting of a base fluid which can be either water or oil, both magnetic and non-magnetic particles and stabilizing agents if necessary. Rheological behavior of this mixture of magnetorheological (MR) fluid with abrasives changes under the influence of magnetic field which in turn regulates the finishing forces during finishing processes. Present study critically reviews the BEMRF process used for achieving nano-level finishing variety of materials like mild steel, EN-31, copper etc. and the factors influenced this process so far which led to further advancements in this method.