Vertical Wheel Magnetorheological Finishing Machine for Flats, Convex, and Concave Surfaces

In magnetorheological finishing (MRF), an optic is positioned above a reference surface to define a gap. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid, deposited on the reference surface, is carried through the gap. By applying a magnetic field at the gap to substantially stiffen the MR fluid in a localized region, a transient work zone or finishing spot is formed which causes removal of material from the part surface. The finishing spot is smaller than the optic. By controlling dwell time as the part moves relative to the finishing spot, the MRF process achieves surface smoothing, removal of subsurface damage, and figure correction.