Some considerations regarding finishing by abrasive flap wheels

Abstract

The diminishing of the surface roughness of a metallic part can be performed by using various finishing methods, polishing by means of abrasive flap wheels being one of them. There are several factors that influence the roughness of surfaces finished by means of abrasive flap wheels. When polishing external cylindrical surfaces by means of abrasive flap wheels, the surface roughness can be changed more easily if the following elements are modified: the peripheral speed of the workpiece and of the abrasive flap wheel, the speed of the longitudinal feed, and the grit size of the abrasive material. Experimental research has allowed for the establishment of power-type functions which highlight the influence exerted by the abovementioned factors on the size of the surface roughness parameters R a , RS, RSm, Rku. Analyses of the experimental results have shown that, in the case of the R a roughness parameter, from among the range of interactions of orders 2 and 3, only the interaction between the rotation speed of the abrasive flap wheel and the speed of the longitudinal feed seems to be significant.

Effects of Flap Wheel Grinding Parameters on Surface Roughness for Stainless Steel

“…Considerable studies have been carried out to investigate the work surface roughness induced by the flap wheel grinding process [1][2][3][4][5]. They can be concluded that the rotational speed, applied pressure, hardness of abrasive particles and cooling method can affect the surface roughness obtained.…”

Effect of polishing disc compliance on the pressure distribution and material removal

“…There are different varieties of flap wheels, where foambased flaps, non-woven type flaps, etc. are available [16,17] . Belt type finishing is one of the common polishing used in industries, robot or CNC assisted to polish complex 3D parts [18,19].…”

“…Umer et al [27] created FEA models to investigate the compliance effect of glass fibre backing pad. Since the glass fibre 16 disc is considerably stiffer compared to other flexible tools, the disc was assigned elastic material property. The load-displacement and contact pressure distribution as shown in Figure 2.6 (b) were obtained from simulations and compared with the experimental values.…”