Patent ID: 7749049
Filing Date: 2010-07-06
Classification: B24C

Abstract:
1. A method of fluid jet polishing a component comprising: a) enclosing the component in a chamber; b) holding the component in a holder in the chamber; c) filling the chamber with a working fluid, including abrasive particles, above a desired level; d) disposing an end of a nozzle below the desired level, wherein the component and the end of the nozzle are submerged in the working fluid, whereby ambient air is not introduced into the working fluid; e) directing a pressurized stream of the working fluid from the nozzle at the component; f) increasing the viscosity of the working fluid at an interface between the pressurized stream of working fluid and a surface of the component when the working fluid experiences shear forces; g) maintaining the abrasive particles in suspension in the working fluid; and h) providing relative motion between the holder and the nozzle with a motion system providing a material removal rate from a surface of the component.