Investigation of Surface Texture Generated by Magnetic Field Assisted Abrasive Finishing

In this paper, an attempt has been made to characterize the surface texture generated, during Magnetic Field Assisted Abrasive Finishing (MFAAF) of SS316L material. The changes in surface texture generated are studied by using surface roughness profiler, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The deep cutting marks left by grinding process have been removed and replaced by a new surface texture generated during MFAAF process. It is also observed from the AFM and SEM images that the peak surface profiles produced by grinding process have been sheared off by the abrasives. This leads to tiny material removal in the surface. It is also evident from the micrographs that the indentation and rotation of the magnetic abrasive flexible brush have formed circular lays during MFAAF.