MAGNETIC FLOAT POLISHING OF CERAMICS

Magnetic float polishing is a new technique developed for efficient fi nishing of advanced ceramics. The equipment for this application thus far has been developed on the basis of empirical designs and trial and error experimental approach which can be costly and time consuming. I n the work reported here both analytical (FEM simulation) and experime ntal approaches Mere taken to determine such design parameters as the variation of magnetic float stiffness with buoyant force and variation of buoyant force with the gap between the magnet and the float. The a greement between the experimental and analytical results is found to b e excellent. Consequently, it is possible to simulate different design s without actually building different equipment for the performance ev aluation. Also, the effect of ball circulation speed in magnetic float polishing is discussed qualitatively for assessing the conditions for high removal rates and/or best finish. Such an approach can facilitat e the development of operating conditions maps for magnetic float poli shing.