Title: Microgrinding hypereutectoid steels using laser-modified corundum abrasive materials

Authors: Mark J. Jackson, Grant M. Robinson, Abhijeet Khangar, Edward A. Kenik, Narendra B. Dahotre

Addresses: Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, College of Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2021, USA. ' Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, College of Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2021, USA. ' Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, College of Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2021, USA. ' Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, College of Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2021, USA. ' Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, College of Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2021, USA

Abstract: Microgrinding of hypereutectoid steels is a process that is comparable to that of superfinishing using a fine grained honing tool. This process is especially suitable for finish machining components such as bearing races. This paper describes the morphological changes made to conventional grinding wheels when dressed with a highly focused laser beam. The microstructure is influenced by the cooling rate associated with laser processing conditions, and the resulting microstructure is significantly affected by the way grains are orientated in the resolidified layer of the grinding wheel. Cooling rates and orientated imaging confirm that a preferred orientation of grains along the (110) planes is the reason for the formation of cutting points on the newly formed grinding surface. The existence of competitive growth of grains also explains why certain area of the modified abrasive material removes material in an uneven manner. The experimental machining results also show that the abrasive material grinds away the workpiece material in addition to removing the newly created abrasive surface, which tends to suggest that continuous dressing of the abrasive material is normally required.

Keywords: microgrinding; laser dressing; hypereutectoid steels; corundum; finish machining; bearing races; abrasive materials; morphological changes; grinding wheels; wheel dressing; microstructure; cooling rate; grain orientation; machinability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMM.2006.010663

International Journal of Machining and Machinability of Materials, 2006 Vol.1 No.1, pp.12 - 26

Published online: 14 Aug 2006 *

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