ELECTROMECHANICAL SURFACE TEXTURING

摘要

Magnetic apparatuses and systems for shaping parts are described. One or more magnets can be used to direct a magnetically responsive fluid having magnetically responsive particles around surfaces of a part. The magnetically responsive fluid can include abrasive particles that follow movement of the magnetically responsive fluid across surfaces of the part and remove material from the part until the part takes on a desired shape. The magnetic apparatuses can be configured to provide a rough cut, similar to machining process, and/or a fine cut, similar to polishing or buffing process, to the part.

主权项

1. A method of shaping a workpiece, the method comprising:
moving a magnetically responsive fluid in a path across a surface of the workpiece, the magnetically responsive fluid having magnetically attractable particles and abrasive particles suspended in a carrier fluid, the path defined by one or more magnets positioned with respect to the surface of the workpiece such that movement of the magnetically responsive fluid provides a cutting action sufficient to remove material from the workpiece resulting in the workpiece taking on a predefined shape.