The paper presents an example of the application of vibratory machining for castings based on the results of visual testing. The purpose of the work is to popularize non-destructive testing and vibratory machining as finishing process, especially in the case of cast objects. Visual testing is one of the obligatory non-destructive tests used for castings and welded joints. The basic requirements concerning the dimensional accuracy and surface texture of cast components are not met if visible surface flaws are detected. The tested castings, which had characteristic traces of the casting process, were subjected to vibratory machining. The machining with loose abrasive media in vibrating containers is aimed at smoothing the surface and reducing or completely removing flashes. To complement the visual testing were also conducted research on the contact profilometer Taylor Hobson PGI 1200. Particular attention was focused on measuring the height of flashes and changes in the surface of smoothed details based on BNIF No. 359 touch-visual patterns. Based on the work, it can be concluded that vibratory machining allows for removal flashes and smoothing of the surface of aluminum alloy cast objects.

This article proposes to use abrasive waterjet cutting (AWJ) for deflashing, deburring and similar finishing operations in casting. The basic requirements concerning the dimensional accuracy and surface texture of cast components are not met if visible surface flaws are detected. The experiments focused on the removal of external flash from elements made of EN-GJL-150 cast iron. The method employed for finishing was abrasive waterjet cutting. The tests were carried out using an APW 2010BB waterjet cutting machine. The form profiles before and after flash removal were determined with a Taylor Hobson PGI 1200 contact profiler. A Nikon AZ100 optical microscope was applied to observe and measure the changes in the flash height and width. The casting surface after finishing was smooth, without characteristic sharp, rough edges that occur in the cutting of objects with a considerable thickness. It should be emphasized that this method does not replace precise cutting operations. Yet, it can be successfully used to finish castings for which lower surface quality is required. An undoubted advantage of waterjet cutting is no effect of high temperature as is the case with plasma, laser or conventional cutting. This process is also easy to automate; one tool is needed to perform different finishing operations in order to obtain the desired dimensions, both internal and external.