Abstract
Ball burnishing is a superfinishing operation performed to improve surface and subsurface integrity. In the present study, a model was developed to confirm that the ball burnishing of AISI 8620 steel affects its microstructures, roughness, and residual stress. As a part of the process, the influence of different parameters on the residual stress surface in the axial direction was investigated. Samples were prepared by heat treatment and turning. The ball-burnishing process was performed, and the improvements on the surface and subsurface integrity were found to be significant. Residual stress after ball burnishing was found to be affected by pressure and feed rate to a statistically significant extent. Stress was found to be in the form of compression. The steel displayed significant improvements in surface roughness and residual stress following burnishing. The linear regression models derived from the data for the relationship between burnishing factors and residual stress offer R-2 values of 80.88%. Results suggest that the ball-burnishing process enhanced the properties of AISI 8620 steel.