Wear characteristics of single-layer cBN abrasive tools using ultrasonic vibration–assisted induction brazing techniques

Abstract

Single-layer brazed superhard abrasive tools have been widely employed in grinding of difficult-to-machine materials in aerospace, aiming at the improvement of the grinding performance and quality. However, the chemical metallurgical reaction during conventional induction brazing (CIB) is severe, and the brazing quality is poor, resulting in a rapid wear and thus reducing service life of abrasive tools. In this case, the single-layer brazed cBN abrasive tools were fabricated using ultrasonic vibration-assisted induction brazing (UVAIB) technology, and the wear comparative experiments of Ti–6Al–4V alloys was carried out using UVAIB and CIB abrasive tools. Results indicate that compared to the CIB abrasive tool, the UVAIB abrasive tool has the higher average exposure height of abrasive grains, lower grinding forces and more stable grinding force ratio during wear processes. Meanwhile, the UVAIB abrasive tool has a slowly decreased exposure height of abrasive grains, a superior wear state and low proportion of macro-fracture as the material removal volume raises. In addition, UVAIB abrasive tool possesses micro-cracks at the top of abrasive grains, leading to micro-fractures of abrasive grains to improve the self-sharpening ability and grinding performance.