Development of an abrasive jet machining system assisted by two fluidized beds for internal polishing of circular tubes

This paper deals with the definition of a relatively novel machining technology to finish the internal part of narrow and long tubular parts made from high resistance stainless steel. A hybrid technology, namely, fluidized bed assisted abrasive jet machining (FB-AJM), was developed and a thorough experimental investigation was concurrently performed. First, a systematic approach, based upon design of experiments, was used to examine the influence of leading operative variables on process. Sur-face roughness and material removal trends consistent with theoretical expectations were found. Subsequently, the machining mechanisms were analyzed in terms of the evolution of roughness and waviness profile. FB-AJM was found to be a not pressure-copying machining technology. Lastly, the uniformity and the precision of machining all around the internal circumferences of the workpieces were checked out to assure the applicability of FB-AJM to process an ever-growing variety of complex shaped components. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.