Enhanced magnetic abrasive polishing of non-ferrous metals utilizing a permanent magnet

This study aimed to improve the magnetic flux density in magnetic abrasive polishing process for nonferrous materials, specially focused on magnesium. The magnetic flux density for ferrous and nonferrous materials was simulated. To increase the magnetic flux density for non-ferrous materials, a practical method that installed a permanent magnet at the opposite side of the workpiece to be machined was proposed and evaluated by computer simulation and experimental verification. For determining a dominant process factor and optimal conditions of the magnetic abrasive polishing for a thin magnesium plate as a case study, the design of experimental method was adopted. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.