Softness consolidation abrasives material removal characteristic oriented to laser hardening surface.

The high hardness and irregular characteristics of laser hardening free-form surface bring many problems into the finishing process. A new autofinishing method based on softness consolidation abrasives (SCA), oriented to laser hardening surface, is brought forward. Abrasives are consolidated on the rubber bonnet by the polymer binder, which have micromovement under the elastic restraint to form stress concentration for cutting. By the modification of coefficients and stress, the material removal model is given by the modified Preston equation. According to a series of simulation and practical experiments, the size of abrasive, hardness of abrasive, and hardness of surface were derived as important factors for the material removal. The empirical results showed that the modified Preston equation is propitious to avoid errors for calculation. Compared with free abrasive methods, it demonstrated that SCA can help to improve at least 13.6 % of efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]