Observations on the Grinding of Alumina with Variations in Belt Speed, Load, Sample Rotation, and Grinding Fluids

Abstract

The volume of material removed in the grinding of alumina on a diamond-impregnated grinding belt was studied. Four grinding process parameters were tested: belt speed, normal load at the pin's contact surface, sample rotation during grinding, and grinding fluid. The results showed that at low loads the belt speed did not have a significant effect on material removal rates; however, the material removal rate decreased at higher loads combined with higher speeds. It decreased, in particular, when the sample was also rotated. Of the fluids used, the 50% ethylene glycol - 50% water mixture produced the highest material removal rates while the lowest were produced by biodegradable soybean oil. The test conditions that produced high temperatures at the contact surface contributed to plowing as opposed to cutting and resulted in reduced material removal rates. The reasons for these variations were investigated by scanning electron microscopy of the surfaces, which revealed evidence of plastic deformation and temperature rise during grinding.