Prof Benny C.F. Cheung, Director of State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)
A novel magnetic field-assisted batch superfinishing (MABS) equipment developed by PolyU’s State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology wins Certificate of Merit in “2021-22 Hong Kong Awards for Industries: Equipment and Machinery Design”.
Freeform surfaces have been widely used in various high-value-added applications such as the superfinishing of surgical tools, optical molds, optical lenses, structured and freeform components, etc. However, current mass finishing technology is inadequate to achieve nanometric surface roughness of freeform surfaces to a sufficiently high level so as to satisfy the requirements of their functional applications. This invention describes a novel magnetic field-assisted batch polishing (MABP) technology which has been purposely developed to provide a novel solution for achieving nanometric fast finishing of a number of freeform components simultaneously. Magnetic field-assisted mass polishing (MAMP) method makes use of a rotational magnetic field applied outside an annular chamber which drives the magnetic abrasives to impinge on and remove material from the workpiece mounted inside the chamber.
MAMP has been proven to have high accuracy, high efficiency, and cost-effectiveness with successful applications in mass superfinishing of freeform components for surgical tools, glass optical lenses, optical molds, dental crown, etc. Table 1 shows the competitive advantages of MABP in the market.
Supported by the Government, the Hong Kong Award for Industries (HKAI) was launched in 2005, aiming to recognise the outstanding performance and achievements of local enterprises in enhancing their competitiveness in various aspects. The 2021-22 HKAI comprises six categories and Equipment and Machinery Design category is one of them. The award is assessed by the following criteria: innovation, functionality, ergonomics, cost-performance, application of technology, safety, environmental impact and marketability.
