8 - Grinding wheel macrodesign and microtopography

Abstract

Wheel geometry, hardness, elasticity, damping behavior, and body material define wheel macrodesign. The wheel geometry includes the profile of the wheel's periphery and faces. Wheel macrodesign dictates the flanging, clamping, and balancing of grinding wheels. Topography is concerned with defining and mapping the shape of a surface. Grinding tool microtopography, i.e., the structure, number, and shape of abrasives (their sharpness) and cutting edge density, is the product of tool microdesign. The composition of the abrasive layer, as well as manufacturing and dressing processes, directly affects grinding tool microtopography. Grinding tool performance, induced grinding forces and temperatures, workpiece surface quality, and tool wear are directly related to grinding tool microtopography. Grinding tool macrodesign also affects these parameters to some extent. This chapter is primarily concerned with elastic effects due to the mechanical contact between the abrasive layer of a grinding tool and the workpiece. It also helps build an understanding of how the actual contact area affects abrasive processes.