The Metal Polishing System for Finishing Shiny Metal Surfaces by Free Abrasive Polishing

This study investigates a force control method for free abrasive polishing to achieve a shiny metal surface finish. Despite the potential of this technique, this method is not widely used in metal surface polishing due to challenges in controlling the force during movement. To address the force control issue, we proposed an approach that uses the feedback force value indirectly calculated through the current value of the AC driver and applies it in a closed-loop control system. The proposed method is evaluated experimentally by polishing different metal pieces with varying particle sizes and movement speeds. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed force control method effectively maintains a constant force during the polishing process, which leads to an improved surface finish. They also show that decreasing particle size and movement speed can improve the surface finish, while the contact force has a limited effect. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between force, movement speed, and surface finish quality in metal polishing.