Magnetic abrasive finishing of cutting tools for machining of titanium alloys

Uncoated carbide tool surfaces are conditioned using magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) to improve the tool wear characteristics by reducing friction between the tool and chip. The configuration of the magnetic particle chains that drive the abrasives plays an important role in surface finishing with minimal damage to the tool cutting edges. Roughnesses of less than 25 nm Ra on the flank and nose and less than 50 nm Ra on the rake can be achieved. In turning of Ti-6Al-4V alloy rods (at 100 m/min cutting speed), MAF-processed tools exhibited tool lives of up to twice as long as unprocessed tools.