Improvement in surface properties of stainless steel by using a low speed peening process

This paper deals with the application of an abrasive fluidized bed machining to stainless steel components. Several experimental tests on AISI 304 are performed to investigate the influence of machining time on the evolution of the surface topography as well as on the modification of surface properties of machined components. The results of experimental tests showed that the generated surface morphology is a function of the machining time. Besides, an increased hardening level of external layers of exposed surface as well as the induction onto them of increasing dislocation density. At last, a superficial austenitic-martensitic transformation can be also revealed as result of the repeated impacts of abrasive grains on processed metal surface. Accordingly, fluidized bed machining can be considered a very promising technique to concurrently finish and improve surface properties of treated components and, in particular, those connected to components life.