Automatic polishing device for surface finishing of complex-curved-profile parts

Abstract

The present invention discloses an automatic polishing device and the method of using the device for the surface finishing of a workpiece such as complex-curved-profile parts. Automatic polishing is performed by mounting the workpiece on an apparatus which enables different orientations along multiple axes and immerging the workpiece in a controlled flow of abrasive slurry. The device of the present invention provides a uniform finish on free form surface. It is also precise, low cost, non-destructive, and non-polluting.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority from the U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 686,852 filed on Apr. 13, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to an automatic polishing device, in particular, to a flow-based polishing device for the surface finishing of complex-curved-profile parts.TECHNICAL BACKGROUND[0003]Polishing is an essential process of creating a smooth and shiny surface by using mechanical or chemical reaction and it has been employed by manufacturing industry for centuries. Comparing with hand-polishing, the process using automated polishing machines, such as those used for polishing semiconductor wafers and for polishing fine optics, are more efficient. However, the use of these automated polishing machines is restricted to those parts with surface profiles in regular shape. Therefore, hand-polishing is still widely used in a number of ind...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]One aspect of the present invention is to provide an alternate polishing device. The device includes a bath of controlled flow of abrasive slurry, at least one apparatus for mounting at least one workpiece with which its orientation varies along multi-axes, and at least one container containing the abrasive slurry. The device of the present invention provides a uniform finish on a free form surface. It is also precise, low cost, non-destructive, and non-polluting. The at least one apparatus for mounting the at least one workpiece includes a first rotary stage which can be a one-axis, two-axis, or three-axis rotary stage and is immerged inside flow of abrasive slurry during operation of the device. The first rotary stage is automatically adjustable such that the orientation of the mounted workpiece varies in a controlled manner. The abrasive slurry comprises a plurality of abrasive particles and a carrying liquid which is driven by a liquid pump. Optionally, the abrasive slurry includes a plurality of abrasive particles which is pre-mixed with a plurality of elastic polymer particles and the carrying liquid. Alternatively, a plurality of relatively smaller abrasive particles can be pre-coated on the surface of a relatively larger elastic polymer particle. The relatively larger elastic polymer particle may further include a magnetic core to facilitate the flow of the abrasive slurry driven by a plurality of magnetic bars situated under the container. Depending on the shape of the workpiece, the device of the present invention may be further modified to include a second rotary stage for driving the rotation of the first rotary stage.

Problems solved by technology

However, the use of these automated polishing machines is restricted to those parts with surface profiles in regular shape.

Most of the existing automated polishing machines just could not be applied to the complex-curved-profile parts, such as small watch parts and jewelry parts that are made of metal or metal alloy, jade stone, ivory, and ceramics, etc.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,175 has disclosed a hand polishing method using conventional grinding, lapping, honing techniques, or an automatic polishing method with improved adaptive mechanical tools but none of these methods can give enough precision at acceptable efficiency.

No. 20070227878) possess high precision but the capital cost is too high.

However, the treatment and disposal of used chemicals and waste water are troublesome.

Such wet-polishing processes involving chemical reactions are restricted due to environmental regulations in many circumstances.

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