Temporal stability and performance of MR polishing fluid

摘要

The lifetime of standard magnetorheological (MR) polishing fluids, used for example in polishing machines for optical applications, is limited. Scanning electron microscope examinations as well as chemical analyses of the fluid had been undertaken in order to investigate reasons for limited lifetime. We found out that the removal rate decreases during the course of time. However, the usable fluid life is most limited by the point of time when the critical minimum amount of fluid, necessary to ensure circulation, is reached. The results in association with a new fluid conditioner show, that a standard MR polishing fluid may be used for longer periods than common periods of about 2 weeks.