Effects of dressing parameters on grinding wheel surface topography

Grinding is a critical manufacturing process and is often the only alternative when producing precision components or when machining brittle materials such as ceramics. Characterizing and modeling the surface finish in the grinding process is a difficult task due to the stochastic nature of the size, shape and spatial distribution of abrasive grains that make up the surface of grinding wheels. Since the surface finish obtained in grinding is a direct function of the wheel surface topography, which is conditioned by a single point dressing process, understanding the effects of dressing parameters on the wheel topography is essential. Therefore, the main objectives of this thesis are: 1) to experimentally characterize the three-dimensional surface topography of a conventional grinding wheel including attributes such as the abrasive grain height distribution, grain geometry and spacing parameters and their respective statistical distributions, 2) to determine the effects of single point dressing conditions on the three-dimensional wheel surface topography parameters and their distributions, 3) to model and simulate the three-dimensional wheel surface topography, and 4) to experimentally validate the wheel topography model. In this research, new and existing characterization methods are used to characterize the wheel surface and the individual abrasive grains. The new techniques include the use of X-ray micro-tomography (μCT) to obtain a better understanding of the grinding wheel's internal micro-structure, and a focus variation based optical measurement method and scanning electron microscopy to characterize previously ignored attributes such as the number of sides and aspect ratio of individual grains. A seeded gel (SG) vitrified bond conventional grinding wheel is used in the study. A full factorial design of single point wheel dressing experiments is performed to investigate the effects infeed and lead dressing parameters on the grinding wheel surface topography. A custom wheel indexing apparatus is built to facilitate precision relocation of the grinding wheel surface to enable optical comparison of the pre- and post-dressing wheel surface topography to observe wheel surface generation mechanisms such as macro-fracture and grain dislodgement. Quantitative descriptions of how each dressing parameter affects the wheel surface characteristics are given in terms of the wheel surface roughness amplitude parameters (Sp, Ssk, Sku) and areal and volume parameters (Spk, Sk, Vmp, Vmp, Vvc, Smr1) derived from the bearing area curve. A three-dimensional wheel topography simulation model that takes as input the abrasive grain height distribution and the statistical distributions for the various abrasive grain geometry parameters is developed and experimentally validated. The results of wheel characterization studies show that the actual abrasive grain height distribution in the SG wheel follows a beta distribution. The μCT work shows that the abrasives are polyhedral in shape, as opposed to the spherical or conical shapes commonly assumed in grinding literature. Grain spacing is found to follow a beta distribution while the number of sides of the grain and the grain aspect ratio are found to follow the gamma and the Weibull distribution, respectively. The results of the dressing study show that the lead dressing parameter has the strongest effect on wheel topography. Using statistical distributions for the key parameters (e.g. grain height, number of sides, grain spacing), a stochastic three-dimensional model is developed to simulate the wheel surface topography under different dressing conditions. The resulting model is shown to yield realistic results compared to existing models mainly due the fact that additional abrasive grain geometry parameters and more realistic assumptions of the different grain attributes are used in the model. It is shown that the model follows the overall wheel surface topography trends during dressing but has difficulty in accurately simulating some of the wheel characteristics under specific dressing conditions. The thesis then concludes with a summary of the main findings and possible future research avenues including extending the model to rotary dressing and simulation of wheel-workpiece interaction.M.S

Experimental and numerical analysis of wear flat generation and growth in alumina grinding wheels.

183 p.El proceso de rectificado supone entre un 20-25% del coste total de fabricación, suponiendo el consumo de muela un porcentaje muy elevado del coste total. De entre los diferentes tipos de desgaste, el wear flat es el más perjudicial para el proceso. Asimismo, nuevos generaciones de materiales abrasivos, como la alúmina microcristalina sinterizada, se van haciendo hueco en aplicaciones industriales. Sin embargo, su comportamiento ante el desgaste no está caracterizado. Es por ello, que este trabajo de investigación aborda la caracterización de la generación y evolución del wear flat en muelas de alúmina, analizando la influencia de la estructura cristalina de los granos abrasivos en el wear flat, desgaste de naturaleza triboquímica. Para ello, se realiza un análisis tanto experimental como numérico.Desde el punto de vista experimental, se realizan ensayos de rectificado en los que se aísla el desgaste de wear flat de los demás tipos de desgaste. Tras estos y debido a la importancia del contacto en el desgaste, se diseña un tribómetro pin-on-disk en el cual se controlan exhaustivamente las condiciones de contacto y se reproduce el ciclo térmico de los granos abrasivos para la cuantificación del desgaste triboquímico. Por último, desde un punto de vista numérico, se realiza un modelo térmico en FEM, para determinar la influencia de la temperatura en las propiedades de la alúmina y un modelo de desgaste en DEM, con el objetivo de simular el desgaste de un grano abrasivo, teniendo en cuenta su estructura cristalina. Como resultado se observan mayores valores de %A para la alúmina microcristalina durante el proceso de rectificado, ya que las altas temperaturas modifican la apariencia de la superficie desgastada de la muela. Sin embargo, las reacciones triboquímicas son más importantes en la alúmina WFA, como muestran los resultados tribológicos y numéricos

Development of Multi-grit cBN Grinding Wheel for Crankshaft Grinding

A crankpin, part of a crankshaft, has a complex profile that is difficult to grind. The process often causes challenges such as excessive heat on the crankpin sidewall and wheel wear on the radius, causing reduced dressing interval. Different solutions were proposed to overcome these challenges, mainly focusing on the process, i.e. grinding strategies. However, the work presented in this thesis is concerned with optimising the superabrasive grinding wheel.A novel analytical assessment framework was developed for evaluating grinding wheel performance that can account for the effects of grit properties and dressing conditions on the wheel topography and, in turn, grinding performance. Based on the model of cutting and sliding grinding force components, a set of performance indicators were derived and then used to evaluate the effect of the wheel topography on the grinding process. Results showed that grit toughness, thermal stability, size and concentration affect the intrinsic specific grinding energy via grit protrusion and sliding component via wear flat area. On the other hand, the grit shape only affects the wear flat area but maintains the intrinsic specific grinding energy regardless if the grit has a higher or lower aspect ratio (blockier or elongated). To complement grinding performance information, wear was evaluated via grinding and lapping tests. The analyses revealed that wheels containing grits with a higher aspect ratio (elongated grits), lower toughness, lower concentration, or smaller size generate lower grinding forces; however, they wore faster. On the other hand, wheels featuring grits with a lower aspect ratio (blocky grits), higher toughness, higher concentration or coarser grit had the opposite effect. They generated higher forces and wore slower, exhibiting longer tool life. Findings from laboratory-based trials resulted in two crankpin wheel designs. One aimed to reduce heat generation, while the other targeted less wheel wear. Industrial tests at the end user demonstrated that the favourable design contained elongated and smaller grits at a lower concentration, because it reduced heat generation despite the higher wheel wear. This was confirmed via the Barkhausen noise measurements, which showed a 20% reduction in intensity compared to the reference wheel and a 30% reduction in intensity compared to the wheel design containing blockier and larger grit at higher concentration

An Original Tribometer to Analyze the Behavior of Abrasive Grains in the Grinding Process

Manufacturing of grinding wheels is continuously adapting to new industrial requirements. New abrasives and new wheel configurations, together with wheel wear control allow for grinding process optimization. However, the wear behavior of the new abrasive materials is not usually studied from a scientific point of view due to the difficulty to control and monitor all the variables affecting the tribochemical wear mechanisms. In this work, an original design of pin-on-disk tribometer is developed in a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) grinding machine. An Alumina grinding wheel with special characteristics is employed and two types of abrasive are compared: White Fused Alumina (WFA) and Sol-Gel Alumina (SG). The implemented tribometer reaches sliding speeds of between 20 and 30 m/s and real contact pressures up to 190 MPa. The results show that the wear behavior of the abrasive grains is strongly influenced by their crystallographic structure and the tribometer appears to be a very good tool for characterizing the wear mechanisms of grinding wheels, depending on the abrasive grains.The authors gratefully acknowledge the funding support received from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and the FEDER operation program for funding the project "Scientific models and machine-tool advanced sensing techniques for efficient machining of precision components of Low Pressure Turbines" (DPI2017-82239-P). Funding support was also received from the contracting call for the training of research staff in UPV/EHU 2016, of Vice-rectorate of research to develop this project

Multi Criteria Optimization Approach for Dressing of Vitrified Grinding Wheel

Rotary diamond dressers are widely used for the dressing to improve the efficiency of vitrified grinding wheel. The paper focuses on the process parameters, i.e., feed speed of dresser, depth of cut, grinding wheel velocity, velocity ratio between grinding wheel and rotary dresser, number of pass and dressing method (up-cut or down-cut) in rotary diamond dressing. The objective is to investigate the effect of these process parameters with their interactions for two response parameters, dressing ratio and overlapped dressed area. As far as the response parameters are concerned, the goal is to maximize dressing ratio and minimize overlapped dressed area simultaneously. Thirty-six experiments were designed and performed. Analysis of variance and multi-criteria optimization approach are opted to find out significant process parameters and optimal parameter setting. Finally, the significant process parameters, dressing method and number of pass are identified as well and the optimal parameter setting is also determined

Grinding and fine finishing of future automotive powertrain components

The automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation driven by regulations and a fast-paced electrification. A critical analysis of technological trends and associated requirements for major automotive powertrain components is carried out in close collaboration with industry – covering the perspectives of OEMs, suppliers, and machine builders. The main focus is to review the state of the art with regard to grinding, dressing, texturing and fine-finishing technologies. A survey of research papers and patents is accompanied by case studies that provide further insights into the production value chain. Finally, key industrial and research challenges are summarized

Modeling of micro-grinding forces considering dressing parameters and tool deflection

The prediction of cutting forces is critical for the control and optimization of machining processes. This paper is concerned with developing prediction model for cutting forces in micro-grinding. The approach is based on the probabilistic distribution of undeformed chip thickness. This distribution is a function of the process kinematics, properties of the workpiece, and micro-topography of the grinding tool. A Rayleigh probability density function is used to determine the distribution of the maximum chip thickness as an independent parameter. The prediction model further includes the effect of dressing parameters. The integration of the dressing model enables the prediction of static grain density of the grinding tool at various radial dressing depths. The tool deflection is also considered in order to account for the actual depth of cut in the modeling process. The dynamic cutting-edge density as a function of the static grain density, the local tool deflection, elastic deformation, and process kinematics can hence be calculated. Once the chip thickness is calculated, the single-grain forces for individual abrasive grains are predicted and the specific tangential and normal grinding forces simulated. The simulation results are experimentally validated via cutting-force measurements in micro-grinding of Ti6Al4V. The results show that the model can predict the tangential and normal grinding forces with a mean accuracy of 10% and 30%, respectively. The observed cutting forces further imply that the flow stress of the material did not change with changing the cutting speed and the cutting strain rate. Moreover, it was observed that the depth of cut and grinding feed rate had the same neutral effect on the resultant grinding forces

On-machine wire electrical discharge dressing (WEDD) of metal-bonded grinding wheels

Metal-bonded diamond wheels, due to its strong grain retention and thermal conductivity properties, are generally used for grinding difficult-to-cut materials, such as high-performance ceramics. On the other hand, the poor dressability of this type of bond limits its application. This study aims to evaluate the use of a wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) principle for truing and dressing metal-bonded grinding wheels. Through the EDM process, the electrically conductive grinding bond is eroded, so that grain protrusion can be generated. For evaluating this dressing process, a wire electrical discharge dressing unit was designed, manufactured, and integrated into a universal cylindrical grinding machine. The dressing process is carried out using the grinding oil also as dielectric fluid. High material removal rates were achieved. Cylindrical plunge grinding tests on silicon nitride workpieces indicated that in comparison to conventionally dressed wheels, smaller cutting forces and wheel wear are achieved by using EDM-dressed grinding wheel

Modeling and simulation of grinding processes based on a virtual wheel model and microscopic interaction analysis

Grinding is a complex material removal process with a large number of parameters influencing each other. In the process, the grinding wheel surface contacts the workpiece at high speed and under high pressure. The complexity of the process lies in the multiple microscopic interaction modes in the wheel-workpiece contact zone, including cutting, plowing, sliding, chip/workpiece friction, chip/bond friction, and bond/workpiece friction. Any subtle changes of the microscopic modes could result in a dramatic variation in the process. To capture the minute microscopic changes in the process and acquire better understanding of the mechanism, a physics-based model is necessary to quantify the microscopic interactions, through which the process output can be correlated with the input parameters. In the dissertation, the grinding process is regarded as an integration of all microscopic interactions, and a methodology is established for the physics based modeling. To determine the engagement condition for all micro-modes quantitatively, a virtual grinding wheel model is developed based on wheel fabrication procedure analysis and a kinematics simulation is conducted according to the operational parameters of the grinding process. A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is carried out to study the single grain cutting under different conditions to characterize and quantify the grain-workpiece interface. Given the engagement condition on each individual grain with the workpiece from the physics-based simulation, the force, chip generation, and material plastic flow can be determined through the simulation results. Therefore, the microscopic output on each discrete point in the wheel-workpiece contact zone can be derived, and the grinding process technical output is the integrated product of all microscopic interaction output. From the perspective of process prediction and optimization, the simulation can provide the output value including the tangential force and surface texture. In terms of the microscopic analysis for mechanism study, the simulation is able to estimate the number of cutting and plowing grains, cutting and plowing force, probability of loading occurrence, which can be used as evidence for process diagnosis and improvement. A series of experiments are carried out to verify the simulation results. The simulation results are consistent with the experimental results in terms of the tangential force and surface roughness Ra for dry grinding of hardened D2 steel. The methodology enables the description of the \u27inside story\u27 in grinding processes from a microscopic point of view, which also helps explain and predict the time dependent behavior in grinding. Furthermore, the process model can be used for grinding force (or power) estimation for multiple-stage grinding cycles which includes rough, semi-finish, finish, and spark out. Therefore, the grinding process design can be carried out proactively while eliminating \u27trial and error\u27. In addition, the grinding wheel model itself can be used to guide the recipe development and optimization of grinding wheels. While the single grain micro-cutting model can be used to study the mechanism of single grit cutting under various complex conditions, it can also be used to derive the optimal parameters for specific grains or process conditions