Turbo-Abrasive Machining and Super-Finishing in the Continuous Flow Manufacturing Environment

Turbo-Abrasive Machining and Turbo-Polishing are loose abrasive processes that can develop functionally important edge and surface effects on rotating and non-rotating components. The processes are characterized by rapid cycle times, single-piece as opposed to batch processing, and minimization or elimination of troublesome effluent steams. The processes facilitate automation of burr removal as well as edge and surface conditioning of components with complex geometries that present serious challenges to conventional mechanical finishing methods. This paper outlines process characteristics and mechanics of both processes, and discusses their application within the context of enhancing manufacturing flow in the post-machining areas of deburring and edge/surface final finish.