A comparative evaluation of fluidized bed assisted drag finishing and centrifugal disk dry finishing

Drag finishing of brass (Cu-30 wt.% Zn) rings using fluidized abrasives, which is a new finishing technology, is comparatively evaluated with centrifugal disk finishing. The comparison was performed by selecting the same abrasive granulates of two different sizes and operating the equipment for the same processing time or at their respective maximum speeds. The experimental analysis investigated the change in workpiece morphology, material removal during finishing and dimensional accuracy. The results showed that each of the types of equipment investigated in the study were capable of a high finishing performance with a relatively short processing time. However, fluidized bed assisted drag finishing was more effective than centrifugal disk finishing in both the achievable quality of the processed parts and reduced processing time. In contrast, centrifugal disk finishing was preferable whenever low erosion and stringent dimensional tolerances were demanded.