Characterization of Wheel Surface Topography in cBN Grinding

Abstract

The wheel surface topography in the grinding process with vitrified cBN wheels has been investigated on the basis of 3-dimensional analysis using a multi-probe SEM, and the relationships between these results and the grinding characteristic parameters have been discussed. Moreover, the change of the wheel surface profile in the grinding process has been evaluated using fractal analysis. There are two regions: an initial wear region and a steady-state wear region, in the grinding process. In the initial wear region, a rapid decrease of grinding force and a rapid increase of wheel wear occur with increasing stock removal. In the steady-state wear region, the micro self-sharpening phenomenon owing to the micro fracture as well as the attritious wear of cutting edge occurs. The change in fractal dimension of the wheel surface is closely related to the change of grinding force dominated by the wear behavior of grain cutting edges.