Application of a compressed air jet for cleaning of wheel surface in grinding nickel-based super alloy Inconel 718

Abstract

Grinding plays an important role in the production of fine finishing surfaces. However, generation of substantial amount of energy through rubbing, plowing and cutting actions in the grinding zone would result in the creation of micro cracks, surface damage, subsurface damage, surface burning as well as residual stress on the ground surface. Nickel-based super alloy Inconel 718 is widely utilized for the fabrication of workpiece, especially in aerospace industry and gas turbines according to their excellent oxidation resistance, fatigue resistance, thermal stability and superior corrosion. However, difficult-to-grind feature and tendency to adhere the wheel pores are considered as the main difficulties encountered in the production of workpiece with this material. Regarding the tendency to clog on the pores of wheel surface, the wheel would be dulled easily and immediately after shorter period of time. To avoid this problem as well as removing chips from the grinding zone and reducing the loading of the wheel, it is proposed to employ a compressed air jet nozzle under the incident angle of 30˚. The various parameters of surface roughness, tangential force, normal force, specific force, surface topography using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and profilometer, besides the evaluation of wheel loading using image processing toolbox by MATLAB are considered in this investigation. The obtained results reveal the best output parameters with the use of conventional cutting fluids along with a compressed air jet.