Development of In-Process Monitoring System for Grinding Wheel Surface Temperature and Grinding State

Abstract

Grinding is a machining technology for plane surfaces and cylindrical surfaces in general. In comparison with cutting, higher accuracy can be provided and it is easier to manufacture high-hardness materials using grinding. However, the grinding wheel surface state changes during grinding, and grazing, clogging and shedding may then lead to problems. As these problems degrade the accuracy and productivity of grinding and the surface integrity of the work material, it is important to select an appropriate grinding condition to avoid the problems. In this study, a novel in-process system for monitoring the grinding wheel surface temperature and grinding state in real time, was proposed. A thermocouple is embedded in the grinding wheel in the developed system. The measured temperature data are transmitted to the external terminal equipment by a wireless transmitter built into the tool shank. Grinding wheel surface temperature was measured on four kinds of grinding wheels using the developed system. As a result, the grinding wheel surface temperature was measured successfully. In addition, it was clarified that the temperature transition largely depends on the grinding state.