Grinding of non-ferrous metals using loose abrasive grains

Abstract

In engineering industries, grinding is the most common technique used to improve the surface finish of many metals and alloys. Ordinary grinding of some metals and alloys such as aluminum, copper, brass and babbitts is difficult. Wheel clogging on the grinding of such metals causes rapid wheel breakdown and frequent dressing of the wheel is required. Reaming also faces some difficulties, concerning proper alignment and reamer breakage. In the present work, grinding of non-ferrous metals is carried out by rotating non-ferrous disks in a loose-sand-filled container, whilst a load is applied to maintain efficient contact. The effects of variation of the working parameters (sand size, rotating speed, and applied load) on the surface characteristics are investigated. Obtaining improved surface finish is feasible for non-ferrous metals and alloys without the complications of ordinary grinding. The method can be used to finish the surfaces of many non-ferrous parts which have many industrial applications.