Abstract: A method for finishing a surface of a metal component is carried out in a receptacle containing a quantity of non-abrasive media. The component is at least partially immersed in the media and a quantity of active finishing chemistry is supplied. The chemistry forms a relatively soft conversion coating on the surface. By inducing high energy relative movement between the surface and the media the coating can be continuously removed. The method may be carried out in a drag finishing machine.

Abstract: A fixture is provided for retaining a metal workpiece for contact by finishing media during operation of a media based finishing operation. The fixture comprises a body and a magnet for retaining the workpiece in contact with the body. By use of super-magnetic materials a significant holding force may be achieved.

Abstract: Refurbishing used or damaged engineering components is performed using a subtractive surface engineering process to remove material from worn or damaged critical surfaces. The method involves initially performing the process on the component to remove a first quantity of material from the surfaces, inspecting the surface of the component to determine the extent of damage and subsequently further performing the process to remove a further quantity of material if necessary.

Abstract: A fixture is provided for retaining a metal workpiece for contact by finishing media during operation of a media based finishing operation. The fixture comprises a body and a magnet for retaining the workpiece in contact with the body. By use of super-magnetic materials a significant holding force may be achieved.

Abstract: A method for finishing a surface of a metal component is carried out in a receptacle containing a quantity of non-abrasive media. The component is at least partially immersed in the media and a quantity of active finishing chemistry is supplied. The chemistry forms a relatively soft conversion coating on the surface. By inducing high energy relative movement between the surface and the media the coating can be continuously removed. The method may be carried out in a drag finishing machine.

Abstract: Refurbishing used or damaged engineering components is performed using a subtractive surface engineering process to remove material from worn or damaged critical surfaces. The method involves initially performing the process on the component to remove a first quantity of material from the surfaces, inspecting the surface of the component to determine the extent of damage and subsequently further performing the process to remove a further quantity of material if necessary.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in the metal finishing processes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,333. The improvement arises in the use of nonabrasive media, such as stainless steel or plastic, in combination with chemicals that are reactive to the metal surface processed. The invention also includes metal articles finished using this process.

Abstract: The invention described herein discloses a chemical mechanical machining and surface finishing process. A conversion coating is formed on the surface of a workpiece and is removed via relative motion with a tool, thereby exposing the workpiece to further reaction with the active chemistry. Low mechanical forces are used such that the plastic deformation, shear strength, tensile strength and/or thermal degradation temperature of the workpiece are not exceeded. Since the chemical mechanical machining and surface finishing process requires little force and/or speed of contact to remove the conversion coating, the equipment's mass, complexity and cost can be significantly reduced, while simultaneously increasing machining precision and accuracy. The present invention lends itself to a very controlled rate of metal removal, and can simply surface finish the workpiece, or if desired, can surface finish the workpiece simultaneously with the shaping and/or sizing process.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in the metal finishing processes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,333. The improvement arises in the use of nonabrasive media, such as stainless steel or plastic, in combination with chemicals that are reactive to the metal surface processed. The invention also includes metal articles finished using this process.

Abstract: The invention described herein discloses a chemical mechanical machining and surface finishing process. A conversion coating is formed on the surface of a workpiece and is removed via relative motion with a tool, thereby exposing the workpiece to further reaction with the active chemistry. Low mechanical forces are used such that the plastic deformation, shear strength, tensile strength and/or thermal degradation temperature of the workpiece are not exceeded. Since the chemical mechanical machining and surface finishing process requires little force and/or speed of contact to remove the conversion coating, the equipment's mass, complexity and cost can be significantly reduced, while simultaneously increasing machining precision and accuracy. The present invention lends itself to a very controlled rate of metal removal, and can simply surface finish the workpiece, or if desired, can surface finish the workpiece simultaneously with the shaping and/or sizing process.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in the metal finishing processes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,333. The improvement arises in the use of nonabrasive media, such as stainless steel or plastic, in combination with chemicals that are reactive to the metal surface processed. The invention also includes metal articles finished using this process.