Statistical Analysis for Grinding Mechanism of Fine Ceramic Material

Abstract

Si3N4 ceramics were surface-ground under different conditions, and the grindability was evaluated by specific grinding energy and stock removal rate. Statistical analysis was conducted on the specific grinding energy and stock removal rate with respect to the maximum grain depth of cut by a new method of directly evaluation successive cutting point spacing. Main results are summarized as follows; (1) The specific grinding energy decreases with increasing stock removal rate. This result shows that the fraction of brittle fracture of Si3N4 increases with increase in the stock removal rate. (2) By a new method for determining successive cutting point spacing, a difference in distribution of cutting edges between resinoid-bonded and metal-bonded wheels with the same grain size and concentration was evaluated. Furthermore, the maximum grain depth of cut of each wheel was represented by statistical analysis. (3) Decrease in the specific grinding energy was caused by the increase in statistical mean value of the maximum grain depth of cut. The stock removal of Si3N4 including brittle fracture was observed even at its level less than 1μm.