Journal of Applied Mechanical Engineering

TAM: Turbo-Abrasive Machining and finishing of rotating aerospace hardware to automate deburring and improve part performance and longevity

4^th International Conference and Exhibition on Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

October 03-04, 2016 Orlando, USA

Michael Massarsky and David A Davidson

Turbo-Finish Corporation, Barre, USA
SME Machining/Material Removal Technical Community, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Appl Mech Eng

Abstract:

The basic concept underlying TAM operations is the placement of a rotating or oscillating metal component or workpiece in a low-speed air-abrasive stream (fluidized bed), which is contained by a specially designed chamber. Surface finishes and effects can be generated on the entire exterior of complex parts, and on fixtured non-rotational components (Simple interior channels on some parts can also be processed). Various surface-finish effects can be obtained by controlling variables of the process such as rotational part speed, part positioning, cycle times, abrasive particle size and characteristics, and others. Additional surface effects can be developed by utilizing processes that make use of sequential abrasive and/or polishing media combinations. Several machine designs have been developed that can accommodate parts as small as 2 to 3 inch (50 mm) in diameter to very large and cumbersome rotational parts up to 4 ft (1,200 mm) in diameter and larger. Surface-finish effects are generated by the high peripheral speed of rotating parts and the large number and intensity of abrasive particle to part surface contacts or impacts in a given unit of time. These factors make this equipment capable of generating one of the highest rates of metal removal to be found in any type of free abrasive surface-finishing operation today. Yet with proper media selection and process adjustments, very refined finishes can be achieved. in time cycles of only a few minutes. It should be noted that surface-finish effects developed from this process depart significantly from those obtained from air or wheel blasting. TAM processes can produce much more refined surfaces by virtue of the fact that the rotational movement of parts processed develop a very fine finish pattern and a much more level surface profile than is possible from pressure and impact methods.

Biography :

Email: michael@turbofinish.com dryfinish@gmail.com