Parametric studies on finishing of inconel 718 flat surfaces with chemically assisted magnetic abrasive finishing process

Abstract With progressions in technological advancements, many materials that can withstand adverse conditions in their working environment are in high demand. Inconel 718 is one of few such materials which is widely used for various industrial applications such as nuclear industries, marine applications, solar power stations, heat exchanger tubing etc. But due to its superior attributes, Inconel 718 is quite hard to finish with traditional machining/finishing processes. A hybrid finishing process: Chemically assisted magnetic abrasive finishing method can be employed to finish the flat surface of Inconel 718. Three major process factors: Processing time, Chemical concentration and weight percentage of abrasives have been selected. Experiments have been designed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Effect of these three selected process parameters on Percentage Improvement in Surface Finish (PISF) has been analyzed with ANOVA. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is also utilized to observe the effects of process factors on surface microstructure. Results indicate that Chemically assisted Magnetic abrasive finishing can be successfully implemented to finish flat Inconel 718 work surfaces and parameters like Processing time, Chemical concentration and Weight percentage of abrasives have significant effect on PISF.