Effects of Grinding Fluid Excited by Ultrasonic Vibration

Abstract

Ultrasonic excited fluid has been researched for machining of hard-to-grind materials. Ultrasonic vibration is applied to grinding fluid by an ultrasonic oscillating comb-shape effecter with integrated nozzle. Grinding fluid discharges from a nozzle placed between the comb’s feet and passes through the vacant space between comb teeth. By this setup, flowing grinding fluid can be continuously excited by ultrasonic vibration. Based on the principle of an ultrasonic washing machine, impulsive force caused by cavitation bubble will reduce the adhesion of chips on the cutting face of grain and chip pockets. Some effects of ultrasonic excited grinding fluid have been recorded such as reducing grinding heat in the case of grinding for Titanium alloy and decreasing in grinding force, improving surface roughness in the case of grinding for Aluminum and stainless alloy. However, the reason of better grinding performance is still unknown. Therefore, experiments conducted with different type of grinding fluids with and without ultrasonic vibration are needed. Pure Titanium, which considered a hard-to-cut material, is chosen as work material. Grinding forces and grinding heat during grinding will be measured and evaluated to clarify the mechanism of ultrasonic excited grinding fluid.