Use of magnetic abrasive machining for sharpening of medical instrument blades

1. Magnetic abrasive machining (MAM) can be successfully applied as a finishing operation for sharpening and removal of burrs from partially-finished blades manufactured by vibroforging. 2. In comparison to currently used technology of mechanical polishing and electrochemical treatment and sharpening of partially-finished blades, the proposed method of magnetic abrasive machining would allow surface defects such as burns, microscopic cracks, etching, scratching by abrasive, etc. to be avoided, increase wear and corrosion resistance of the blades, and automate and mechanize finishing operations, thus increasing efficiency and productivity. 3. It was shown that use of the M-473 device for magnetic abrasive machining mounted on the spindle of a drilling or milling machine allowed the optimization of sharpening providing conformity of the cutting edge width (≤ µm) with the form of the item. 4. Two techniques for sharpening removable scalpel blades by magnetic abrasive machining were tested on the EU-5 device. 5. The required sharpness of cutting edges is achieved faster on the M-473 device. 6. The process of blade sharpening using magnetic abrasive machining tested under experimental conditions was performed according to the scheme instead of the scheme currently used in small-scale industrial production which allows the elimination of electrochemical polishing, avoidance of defects on treated surfaces inherent in mechanical sharpening, and enhancement of wear and corrosion resistance of removable scalpel blades produced in small-scale industrial production.