Advanced Manufacturing Technology Research Laboratory (AMTReL) Liverpool John Moores University SUMMARY OF RESEARCH RESULTS April, 2012 Prepared by: Mr. Pitipong Benjarungroj Supervised by: Dr. Michael M Morgan INVESTIGATION OF THERMALLY TREATED RECYLED GLASS AS A VIBRATORY MASS FINISHING MEDIA: Performance and Characterisation Sponsored by: Vibraglaz (UK) Ltd

Content Introduction Aims / Objectives Problem Outline Experimental programme Results

Introduction Mass finishing refers to the process technologies for generating edge and surface finishes on a wide range of metallic and non- metallic materials Common edge and surface finish requirements include: deburring, descaling, surface smoothing, edge-break, radius formation, removal of surface contaminants from heat treatment and other processes, bright finishing, pre-plate or coating surface preparation.

Introduction: Mass finishing process Energy is imparted to the abrasive media mass via a vibratory or rotary means to impart motion to it and to cause it to act on the surfaces. [process control parameters: vibration amplitude, frequency, (rotational speed)] Common mass finishing processes include: vibratory bowl and linear; barrel, centrifugal barrel and centrifugal disk, and rotating barrel Fluid (compound solutions) required for lubrication (-lower frictional forces and reduce wear), aid swarf removal, cleaning, ease handling

Introduction: Mass finishing process Centrifugal barrel Vibratory BowlLinear Vibratory Centrifugal disk

Introduction: Mass finishing media Media refers to the abrasive consumable elements used in mass finishing process. The common media types include natural abrasives, synthetic random media, preformed ceramic and resin-bonded media, and metallic media. The composition of a media determines whether it is a cutting or finishing type of media.

Introduction: Mass finishing media Geometry largely depends on application

Introduction: Mass finishing media

Vibratory Finishing Thermally Treated Recycled Glass Media :A Report on outcomes of the first research with this innovative product

Introduction The media under investigation is produced wholly from recycled glass. In its raw state it is in cullet form. The cullet is cleaned of contaminants and crushed. The cullet is then sieved and subsequently graded in a manner similar to that for abrasive grains. The source of glass is varied but is in general glass scheduled for landfill and most recently is predominantly window glass. :presently there is very little knowledge of the performance, capability or mechanical characteristics of this media

Introduction Production control requirements: - mould technology (and release agents) - heating rate, critical temperature (Tmax), duration at Tmax, cooling rate / quenching Each have a strong effect on media quality Secret recipe! This understanding was not available prior to this research

Introduction Sample V-Cut media

New Media Benefits 6 key features that distinguish it from other media: No binder required Significantly higher percentage of abrasive Density: plastic media < V-Cut < ceramic media Strong green credentials and low environmental impact Recyclable Lower cost

Aim / Objectives To acquire fundamental understanding of the material characteristics of the new development thermally treated recycled media To obtain machining data over a range of machining conditions Establish and compare performance of thermally treated recycled media with conventional media Help develop new products for industrial usage Help direct the company in identifying the right media for a given job

Replication methods for surface topography assessment -identification of cutting edge density -insight into wear mechanism Cannot use stylus methods –stylus wear and lack of information on surface features Materials characterisation This understanding was not available prior to this research

Replication Jig and housing Microset 101 RTH Gun and Cartridge Thru section of replica Jig to lay flat the replica for measurement Cutting edge density: Replication Technique

CUTTING EDGE DENSITY - MEASUREMENT Uniscan Optical interferometer

Cutting Edge density Date: Code: A1 name: Original - 0 deg Ra: um Rz: 1.66 um Rq: um Rt: 1.95 mm Mesh: 12x12 (144) Sampling: um Surface Area: 6 x 6 Total Cutting Edge: 27 %cutting edge: 18.75% (Larger scale view) Typical surface topography result showing Number of peaks at highest level of the surface

Cutting Edge Density Measurement Cutting edge measurement data for thermally treated glass media

Bearing Ratio Observation Typical surface topography resultsBearing ratio results

Typical surface topography resultsBearing ratio results Bearing Ratio Observation

Media Comparision Ceramic Plastic V-Cut 60x magnification (CAMApp - desktop equipment) Note Cutting edge density

SEM of Thermally Treated Glass SEM at 100x magnitude SEM at 1000x magnitude

Performance Assessment Media Wear rate Surface roughness, Ra (principal parameter measured) Brightness observation and Visual inspection (Burr removal) Cycle times

Performance Assessment V-Cut media used in studies Mass Finisher (vibratory tumbler) used in studies Mitutoyo-- Series 178 SJ 400 Surftests

Surface Roughness Discussion media 780 is medium grade cutter / polisher Results are consistent with published data for conventional media (in-house comparative data being prepared) Limiting values indicate boundary of performance on particular material For example: If lower Ra is required with material = aluminium, then different grade (i.e. polisher) would be needed, though this would be achieved at the cost of lower material removal rate

Surface Roughness Discussion media 790 performs more as a polisher than media 780 The abrasive action of the media is evident in the early part of the graph – i.e. the cutting edges initially dig into and hence roughen the surface before finishing occurs This is not so evident with a harder material eg. MS or SS

Comparison study of thermally treated media and conventional media against industrial components Roughness observation of conventional media and thermally treated media on benchmark materials Titanium alloy coupon

Brightness observation and Visual inspection Brass before and after 10 minute of machining using Vibraglaz 790 Brass before machining Brass after machining using Vibraglaz 780

Stainless (Virgin) Mild Steel (machining time 15 minutes) From left to right Mild steel before machining Mild steel machining with Plastic media Mild steel machining with Vibraglaz 790 Brightness observation and Visual inspection

Aluminium (machining time 15 minutes) From left to right Aluminium before machining Aluminium machining with Plastic media Aluminium machining with Vibraglaz 790 Aluminium machining with Ceramic media Brass (machining time 15 minutes) From left to right Brass before machining Brass machining with Vibraglaz 770 Brightness observation and Visual inspection

Crank shaft before machiningCrank shaft after machining

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