A rig to investigate both cylindrical and external grinding under steady and vibrational conditions and some preliminary results appertaining to vibrational grinding as a production technique

Abstract

The vibration associated with the grinding process may be divided into two categories, namely, self-excited and forced. To understand the characteristics of grinding vibration, it is necessary to separate and independently study the influence of many of the variables present in the grinding process. It is not possible to separate sufficient influential variables by using commercially available grinding machines. Hence, a special grinding test rig, which contains many novel features, was designed for this purpose. The rig design is very versatile and allows both steady and vibratory grinding upon cylindrical and centreless grinding to be investigated thorougly. Whilst the test rig was being manufactured and assembled, preliminary vibratory grinding tests were carried out upon a conventional grinding machine, the vibrations being introduced into the grinding process by slots cut around the circumference of the grinding wheel. High strength, heat resistant alloys were ground and it was found that vibratory grinding results in lower grinding temperatures when compared with the corresponding, non-vibratory grinding thereby giving large improvements in grinding performance and production rate. The tests indicated that the vibratory grinding technique is advantageous but that optimization tests are necessary. It is proposed that these optimization tests be carried out upon the grinding test rig when available.