CONVERGENCE TECHNOLOGY FOR VEHICLE PART SURFACE FINISHING

Abstract

The subject of this research is convergence technology for the surface finishing of vehicle parts. A literature review has been conducted to carry out a comparative analysis of existing methods for the surface finishing of parts used in the manufacturing of aircraft, hydraulic and pneumatic devices, and other vehicles. Prospects are shown for further research on methods with the aim of creating a complex technology (i.e., convergence) that combines information technologies; nanotechnologies; and thermochemical, electrochemical, and mechanical processing methods. A method is proposed for selecting and combining surface finishing methods according to a five-point expert assessment, which allows the batch processing of vehicle parts. Based on this method, the concept of convergence technology for the surface finishing of vehicle parts is proposed, which includes the impulse thermal energy method, honing, superfinishing, and electrochemical processing. An expanded process is presented for manufacturing parts with high-precision, low-roughness surfaces and a specified microrelief by using electrochemical superfinishing and electrochemical honing. A scheme of the concentration (focusing) of the current flow during electrochemical superfinishing due to the movement of the electrode relative to the part surface is proposed, which enables the effect of surface polishing and the removal of oxidation products. Convergence technology for the surface finishing of vehicle parts will provide parts’ geometric dimensions with micro- and nano-precision and allow the precision machining of small-diameter holes and complex profiles, increased machining accuracy (up to 0.001 microns), the possibility of batch processing, and the possibility of process automation.