Magnetic abrasive finishing of AZ91 magnesium alloy using electromagnet

The magnesium alloy is widely used in the industry owing to its lightweight and high specific strength applications. In the present work, the effect of different process parameters of magnetic abrasive finishing process (MAF) on surface roughness (Ra) has been studied along with the various forces acting on AZ91 magnesium alloy plate during finishing operation. The average surface roughness Ra' of AZ91 magnesium alloy was examined, and various cutting forces were also measured during finishing with MAF process. Permanent magnet was used on the opposite side of the workpiece and electromagnet in order to improve the strength of magnetic field in this process. In the present study, effects of various process parameters such as working gap, rotational speed and supplied current have been studied on the percentagechange in Ra' and various cutting forces during finishing of AZ91 magnesium alloy. Improvement in surface texture and finishing mechanism during MAF process was also observed with the help of SEM and AFM images.