Ball burnishing of tool steel

Abstract In place of the traditional methods of finishing a surface, the ball-burnishing process was investigated. Experimental work was conducted on a vertical machining center to establish the effects of various burnishing parameters on the surface finish of ASSAB XW-5 steel (high-carbon, high-chrome steel), including burnishing speed, ball material, lubricant, burnishing forces (depth of penetration), and feed. Within the parameter space explored, it was found that the burnishing speed affects the surface finish, with a burnishing speed of 1,200 mm/min giving the worst surface finish. WC (Tungsten carbide) ball gave the best and most consistent surface finish. Grease was a better lubricant than cutting oil. By varying the burnishing speed, the burnishing forces varied also, and these forces showed no obvious relationship to the surface finish of the burnished workpiece.