A comparative study on state of oxide layer in ELID grinding with tool-cathode and workpiece-cathode

Abstract

As a relatively new grinding technology, ELID (electrolytic in-process dressing) is widely used in some businesses. The oxide layer plays an important role in ELID grinding performance. The purpose of this work is to investigate the state of the oxide layer on ELID grinding wheel surfaces based on workpiece-cathode and tool-cathode. The thickness and surface topography of the oxide layer were measured from ELID grinding experiments based on workpiece-cathode and tool-cathode in different controlled dressing current. The normal grinding force was also compared in ELID grinding with workpiece-cathode and tool-cathode. According to the results, there are some caves on the surface of the oxide layer in ELID grinding with workpiece-cathode. With increasing controlled dressing current, the surface of the oxide layer becomes discontinuous in ELID grinding with workpiece-cathode. And the surface of the oxide layer becomes smoother with increasing controlled dressing current in ELID grinding with tool-cathode. Meanwhile, it was found that the oxide layer in ELID grinding with workpiece-cathode is thicker than that in ELID grinding with tool-cathode. Moreover, the normal grinding force in ELID grinding with workpiece-cathode is smaller than that in ELID grinding with tool-cathode. The results are helpful to improve the ELID grinding performance and apply ELID grinding technology with workpiece-cathode to abroad industrial applications.