Patent ID: 6875081
Filing Date: 2005-04-05
Classification: B23D,B24B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for forming tools having a smooth surface finish comprising the steps of: providing a high speed rotational processing apparatus having an outer vessel and at least one inner vessel; mounting the plurality of tools to a fixture so that each tool is spaced from an adjacent tool; placing the fixture into the inner vessel; adding a first abrasive media into the inner vessel; rotating the inner vessel in a first stage at high speed relative to the outer vessel such that the inner vessel rotates about its axis of rotation and about the axis of rotation of the outer vessel, the high speed rotation causing the first abrasive media to repeatedly contact the surface of the tools, the contact producing material removal of the surface of the tools; removing the first abrasive media from the inner vessel; adding a second abrasive media into the inner vessel; rotating the inner vessel the vessel in a second stage at high speed relative to the outer vessel such that the inner vessel rotates about its axis of rotation and about the axis of rotation of the outer vessel, the high speed rotation causing the second abrasive media to repeatedly contact the surface of the tools, the contact producing polishing of the surface of the tools; and removing the tools from the inner vessel; wherein the step of rotating the inner vessel in the first stage involving rotating the inner vessel at a first stage speed and for a first period of time, and wherein the step of rotating the inner vessel in the second state involving rotating the inner vessel at an initial second stage speed for an initial second period of time, and then reducing the speed to a second stage speed and substantially holding the speed at that second speed for a second period of time of at least several minutes.