On-machine wire electrical discharge dressing (WEDD) of metal-bonded grinding wheels
Weingärtner, Eduardo ; Jaumann, Sascha ; Kuster, Friedrich ; Wegener, Konrad
In: The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 2010, vol. 49, no. 9-12, p. 1001-1007
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- Metal-bonded diamond wheels, due to its strong grain retention and thermal conductivity properties, are generally used for grinding difficult-to-cut materials, such as high-performance ceramics. On the other hand, the poor dressability of this type of bond limits its application. This study aims to evaluate the use of a wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) principle for truing and dressing metal-bonded grinding wheels. Through the EDM process, the electrically conductive grinding bond is eroded, so that grain protrusion can be generated. For evaluating this dressing process, a wire electrical discharge dressing unit was designed, manufactured, and integrated into a universal cylindrical grinding machine. The dressing process is carried out using the grinding oil also as dielectric fluid. High material removal rates were achieved. Cylindrical plunge grinding tests on silicon nitride workpieces indicated that in comparison to conventionally dressed wheels, smaller cutting forces and wheel wear are achieved by using EDM-dressed grinding wheels