An Explorative Study of Fabrication of Al-Based Matrix Diamond Grinding Wheels by Vacuum Evaporative Pattern Casting

Abstract

The possibility of using the new processing technique of vacuum evaporative pattern casting (V-EPC) process to fabricate the Al-Si based bonded diamond grinding wheels was explored in this paper. Distribution of diamond grits in the diamond/EPS composite pattern and in the grinding layer of the cast of the grinding wheel were analyzed. Microstructures and mechanical properties of the metal bonds and diamond composites fabricated by V-EPC process were studied. It is confirmed that thermal damage of the diamond grits did not occur. Strong bonding between metal bond and diamond grits can be produced. However, the uniformity of the distribution of diamond grits in the metal matrix should be further improved. Also, further hardening on the metal bond is necessity by trying other kinds of aluminum alloys.