A new through-feed centerless grinding technique using a surface grinder

This paper proposes an alternative centerless grinding technique, i.e., through-feed centerless grinding using a surface grinder. In the new method, a compact centerless grinding unit, composed of a guide plate, an ultrasonic shoe, a blade, and their respective holders, is installed onto the worktable of a surface grinder, and the through-feed centerless grinding operation is performed as the workpiece located on the guide plate is fed into the space between the grinding wheel and ultrasonic shoe. The ultrasonic shoe, produced by bonding a piezoelectric ceramic device onto a metal elastic body, is tilted at a small angle so as to provide sufficient force to control the workpiece rotational motion and to feed the workpiece along its axis by the ultrasonic elliptic-vibration. In this paper, the workpiece motion control tests were carried out firstly to make sure that the workpiece rotational speed and through-feed rate can be exactly controlled by the ultrasonic shoe which is essential for performing high-precision grinding operations. Then, the effects of major process parameters such as the workpiece eccentric angle, the stock removal, the ultrasonic shoe tilt angle and the applied voltage amplitude on the machining accuracy (i.e. workpiece cylindricity and workpiece roundness) were clarified experimentally. The obtained results indicate that: (1) the workpiece rotational speed can be adjusted by changing the applied voltage amplitude, whereas its through-feed rate can be adjusted by changing both the applied voltage amplitude and the ultrasonic shoe tilt angle; (2) the optimum eccentric angle is 6°, and a larger stock removal, a smaller tilt angle, or a higher applied voltage is better for higher machining accuracy; (3) the workpiece cylindricity and roundness were improved from the initial value of 16.63 μm and 14.86 μm to the final ones of 1.49 μm and 0.74 μm under the optimal grinding conditions.     

A new in-feed centerless grinding technique using a surface grinder

This paper deals with the development of an alternative centerless grinding technique, i.e., in-feed centerless grinding based on a surface grinder. In this new method, a compact centerless grinding unit, composed of an ultrasonic elliptic-vibration shoe, a blade and their respective holders, is installed onto the worktable of a surface grinder, and the in-feed centerless grinding operation is performed as a rotating grinding wheel is fed in downward to the cylindrical workpiece held on the shoe and the blade. During grinding, the rotational speed of the workpiece is controlled by the ultrasonic elliptic-vibration of the shoe that is produced by bonding a piezoelectric ceramic device (PZT) on a metal elastic body (stainless steel, SUS304). A simulation method is proposed for clarifying the workpiece rounding process and predicting the workpiece roundness in this new centerless grinding, and the effects of process parameters such as the eccentric angle, the wheel feed rate, the stock removal and the workpiece rotational speed on the workpiece roundness were investigated by simulation followed by experimental confirmation. The obtained results indicate that: (1) the optimum eccentric angle is around 6°; (2) higher machining accuracy can be obtained under a lower grinding wheel feed rate, larger stock removal and faster workpiece rotational speed; (3) the workpiece roundness was improved from an initial value of 19.90 μm to a final one of 0.90 μm after grinding under the optimal grinding conditions.     

Simulation of plunge centerless grinding processes

Workpiece out-of-roundness is one of the most important problems in centerless grinding. Besides geometrical and kinematical effects, the dynamical behavior of the machine structure, the grinding and regulating wheel together with the support blade fundamentally influence the process stability and the workpiece accuracy. The paper presents a method for a numerical simulation of plunge centerless grinding processes in time domain. Under consideration of the geometrical conditions of the grinding gap and the dynamical compliance behavior of the grinding system the developed algorithm enables a quantitative determination of the workpiece out-of-roundness, the progression of grinding and reaction forces as well as the calculation of dynamical displacements.     

Dynamic model of a centerless grinding machine based on an updated FE model

Centerless grinding operations present some characteristic features that make the process especially susceptible to regenerative chatter instabilities. Theoretical study of these vibrations present some difficulties due to the large amount of parameters involved in the process and, in addition, such a study requires a precise determination of dynamic properties of the particular machine under study. Taking into account the important role of the dynamic characteristics in the process, in this paper both analytic and experimental approaches are used with the aim of studying precisely the vibration modes participating in the response. Using as reference results obtained from an experimental modal analysis (EMA) performed in the machine, the finite element (FE) model was validated and improved using correlation and updating techniques. This updated model was used to obtain a state space reduced order model with which several simulations were carried out. The simulations were compared with results obtained in machining tests and it was demonstrated that the model predicts accurately the dynamic behavior of the centerless grinding machine, especially concerning on chatter.     

Effectiveness of continuous workpiece speed variation (CWSV) for chatter avoidance in throughfeed centerless grinding

The continuous rotation speed variation is demonstrated to be an efficient method to avoid regenerative chatter in different machining processes. This paper presents a time-domain dynamic model for throughfeed centerless grinding process that can predict chatter by means of part roundness error evolution. Continuous workpiece speed variation (CWSV) has been implemented in this model to analyze the influence of this disturbing method on the dynamic instability. Experimental results have validated the model and verified the effectiveness of CWSV for chatter avoidance and surface finish and dimensional tolerances improvement. It has been demonstrated that the selection of the optimal variation parameters is an important factor not only for chatter avoidance, but also for the stability of surface finish and dimensional tolerances since workpiece speed variation has a direct influence on throughfeed rate and grinding forces.     

Stability analysis and time domain simulation of multiple diameter parts during infeed centerless grinding

Multiple diameter part applications cope a relevant percentage of infeed centerless grinding operations. Nevertheless, general stability analysis and process optimisation has been mainly investigated for mono-diameter parts. This paper presents a time domain simulation software developed for multiple diameter parts that allows the simulation of average and particular evolution of process forces, power, machine deflections, thermal behaviour, real part diameter and roughness. First, a work rotation stability analysis is carried out. Then, with the use of both the stability analysis and the infeed cycle simulation, optimized process parameters and cycles are defined in order to increase process productivity.     

Stability analysis and optimization algorithms for the set-up of infeed centerless grinding

This paper introduces new algorithms for analysis and optimization of infeed centerless grinding, based on high-level integration of grinding models into a web-based simulation. This holistic approach to simulation facilitates system-level simulation and solvers for several interlinked problems associated with the process mechanics. Emphasis is on structuring the model-based simulation as well as adapting and incorporating the underlying models into the algorithms. Geometric lobing-, chatter- and spinning-related process stability, as well as a time domain continuity equation, are integrated into the simulation to analyze the main quality-related limitations of the process. Once the process stability is assured for the process set-up, optimization strategies and a new infeed cycle definition function are proposed to achieve a minimal or target cycle time. An example of experimental optimization is provided to compare a high-quality process with a target cycle time to an optimized high-productivity process – demonstrating a 70% reduction in cycle time.     

An active system of reduction of vibrations in a centerless grinding machine using piezoelectric actuators

Centerless grinding has been extensively used in production engineering to produce accurate cylindrical parts together with high productivities. On the other hand, regenerative chatter vibrations are one of the major problems that limit the ability to produce round workpieces. This constraint can be solved selecting proper machine setup conditions, which still largely relies on a trial and error method, and sometimes this approach is not optimum in a productivity sense. This paper shows a novel method to reduce chatter vibrations in a centerless grinding machine using actively controlled piezoelectric actuators. A simplified model of the machine is used to simulate the behavior of several commercially available piezoelectric actuators in two different locations of the machine. Based on these simulations, a selection of proper actuators and their optimal location is obtained and the control system is implemented experimentally. Experimental results show that the control strategy provides a stabilizing effect on chatter. Thus, the viability of using piezoelectric actuators as active components is demonstrated, providing an important advance in the knowledge of chatter control in centerless grinding machines.     

Effects of process parameters on workpiece roundness in tangential-feed centerless grinding using a surface grinder

The present authors proposed a new centerless grinding method using a surface grinder in their previous study [Wu, Y., Kondo, T., Kato, M., 2005. A new centerless grinding technique using a surface grinder. J. Mater. Process. Technol. 162–163, 709–717]. In this method, a compact centerless grinding unit composed mainly of an ultrasonic elliptic-vibration shoe is installed onto the worktable of a multipurpose surface grinder to perform tangential-feed centerless grinding operations. However, for the complete establishment of the new method it is crucial to clarify the workpiece rounding process and the effects of process parameters such as the worktable feed rate, the stock removal and the workpiece rotational speed on the machining accuracy, i.e., workpiece roundness, so that the optimum grinding conditions can be determined. In this paper, the effects of the process parameters on workpiece roundness are investigated by simulation and experiments. For the simulation analysis, a grinding model taking into account the elastic deformation of the machine is created. Then, a practical way to determine the machining-elasticity parameter is developed. Further, simulation analysis is carried out to predict the variation of workpiece roundness during grinding and to discover how the process parameters affect the roundness. Finally, actual grinding operations are performed by installing the previously constructed unit onto a CNC surface grinder to confirm the simulation results. The obtained results indicate that: (1) a slower worktable feed rate and higher workpiece rotational speed give better roundness; (2) better roundness can be also obtained when the stock removal is set at a larger value; (3) the workpiece roundness was improved from an initial value of 23.9 μm to a final value of 0.84 μm after grinding.     

Determination of waviness decrease rate by measuring the frequency characteristics of the grinding force in centerless grinding

In centerless grinding, it is difficult to optimize the grinding conditions for minimizing the workpiece roundness error because of the high number of process parameters such as center height angle, blade angle, and stock removal rate. We had previously proposed a function for evaluating grinding conditions, i.e., the waviness decrease rate, in order to automatically select the optimum process parameters. In order to build a closed-loop control system for the process parameters, however, it is necessary to find a practical way to determine the waviness decrease rate. In this paper, the relationship between the waviness decrease rate and the dynamic components of the grinding force was investigated analytically. It was found that the frequency characteristics of the waviness decrease rate show a similar tendency to those of the grinding force. A grinding force measurement system was built and experiments for measuring the frequency characteristics of the grinding force were carried out. As a result, it was confirmed that the waviness decrease rate can be determined by measuring the frequency characteristics of the grinding force.     

Study on surface roughness model and surface forming mechanism of ceramics in quick point grinding

The quick-point grinding experiment of fluorophlogopite was conducted by using a MK9025A profile grinder which considered the simple single factor, such as the grinding wheel and table feed speed, grinding depth, inclining angle and deflection angle. The experimental results indicated that the surface roughness was mainly influenced on inclining angle and deflecting angle. Moreover, the modified model of the quick-point grinding process was proposed in the paper, which based on Malkin kinematics model, Snoeys empirical model and grinding thickness empirical model. The inclining angle and deflecting angle was introduced in the modified model. Comparison of the predicted results of these models and experimental ones indicated that the modified model was in well agreement with the experimental data. Further, standard deviation of these models and experiment was studied in the paper, it is found that the modified model was the more ideal. In order to study the effect of various technology factors on the sensitivity of surface roughness, “Relative extremum error” concept was first proposed in the paper. It was found that simple single factor in the modified model were relatively sensitive to surface roughness than other models.     

Development of a new rotary ultrasonic spindle for precision ultrasonically assisted grinding

In our previous work, a new method for inducing a machine spindle to ultrasonically vibrate was proposed in which the axial ultrasonic vibration is excited by a fluctuating electromagnetic force applied to the spindle. The validity of this method was also confirmed experimentally. In this paper, focusing on the development of a new rotary ultrasonic spindle based on this new method, an actual ultrasonic spindle unit was designed and constructed in accordance with the previous work. The unit consists of an ultrasonic spindle, two rotary bearings and their housings for holding the spindle, eight electromagnets and their supporters for the generation of a fluctuating electromagnetic force, and a base plate. Its performance was also investigated experimentally for different exciting conditions. The results showed that an ultrasonic vibration with a sub-μm order amplitude is generated on the produced spindle and that the applied electromagnetic force affects the spindle performance significantly.     

轧辊磨床参数选择对轧辊磨削质量的影响

介绍了轧辊磨床参数的选择对于轧辊磨削质量的重要性,就砂轮、磨削冷却液和运动速度的匹配等工艺问题进行阐述,并介绍了实际工作经验。     

小直径砂轮超声振动磨削SiC陶瓷的表面质量研究

用小直径砂轮超声振动磨削和普通磨削加工SiC陶瓷零件,对比研究砂轮线速度、工件进给速度、磨削深度和超声振幅对其磨削表面质量的影响。结果表明:与普通磨削相比,超声振动磨削的磨粒轨迹相互交叉叠加,工件表面形貌更均匀,表面质量更好。由于超声振动时的磨粒划痕交叉会使磨粒产生空切削,因而降低了其磨削力,使磨削过程更加稳定。超声振动磨削的表面粗糙度和磨削力随砂轮线速度和超声振幅的增加而降低,随工件进给速度和磨削深度的减小而降低。且砂轮线速度、工件进给速度较小时,超声振动磨削的效果更明显。      

Energy aspects and workpiece surface characteristics in ultrasonic-assisted cylindrical grinding of alumina–zirconia ceramics

Ultrasonic assisted grinding is a novel method for improving the grinding process of difficult-to-cut materials. In the present research a novel setup has been designed and manufactured for utilizing ultrasonic vibrations in external cylindrical grinding. The designed ultrasonic head vibrates a rotating workpiece in axial direction. An alumina–zirconia ceramic (AZ90) has been selected as the workpiece material. Energy aspects and workpiece surface characteristics of ultrasonic assisted cylindrical grinding (UACG) and conventional cylindrical grinding (CG) processes have been analytically modeled and corresponding grinding experiments have been performed. The combined kinematics of the cylindrical plunge grinding process and axial ultrasonic vibrations provide a unique surface treatment conditions, which leads to reduced peak heights and increased valley depths of the surface topography. The main axial vibration mode provides the overlap of the adjacent cutting traces and consequently smoothens the surface topography in cylindrical plunge grinding. It has been analytically and experimentally shown that, applying ultrasonic vibrations, grinding energy can be reduced up to more than 35% depending on the process parameters. The surface characteristics of the ground workpieces have been investigated in terms of four surface roughness parameters and the roundness error.     

Experimental study on grinding force and grinding temperature of Aermet 100 steel in surface grinding

This paper investigates grinding force and grinding temperature of ultra-high strength steel Aermet 100 in conventional surface grinding using a single alumina wheel, a white alumina wheel and a cubic boron nitride wheel. First, mathematical models of grinding force and grinding temperature for three wheels were established. Then, the role of chip formation force and friction force in grinding force was investigated and thermal distribution in contact zone between workpiece and wheel was analyzed based on the mathematical model. The experimental result indicated that the minimum grinding force and the maximum grinding force ratio under the same grinding parameters can be achieved when using a CBN wheel and a single alumina wheel, respectively. When the phenomenon of large grinding force and high grinding temperature appeared, the workpiece material would adhere locally to the single alumina wheel. Grinding temperature was in a high state under the effect of two main aspects: poor thermal properties of grinding wheel and low coolant efficiency. The predicted value of grinding force and grinding temperature were compared with those experimentally obtained and the results show a reasonable agreement.     

Simulation based optimization of the NC-shape grinding process with toroid grinding wheels

For achieving high material removal rates while grinding free formed surfaces, shape grinding with toroid grinding wheels is favored. The material removal is carried out line by line. The contact area between grinding wheel and workpiece is therefore complex and varying. Without detailed knowledge about the contact area, which is influenced by many factors, the shape grinding process can only be performed sub-optimally. To improve this flexible production process and in order to ensure a suitable process strategy a simulation-tool is being developed. The simulation comprises a geometric-kinematic process simulation and a finite elements simulation. This paper presents basic parts of the investigation, modelling and simulation of the NC-shape grinding process with toroid grinding wheels.     

An investigation of graphite nanoplatelets as lubricant in grinding

Cooling and lubrication are very critical to ensure workpiece quality in grinding due to the high friction and intense heat generation involved in the process. Liquid lubricants have traditionally been used in flood form or minimum quantity lubrication (MQL), raising however, major environmental and economic concerns. The focus of this study is to evaluate the performance of graphite nanoplatelets as a lubricant in surface grinding. The role of graphite's characteristics such as form, size and concentration; and the effect of the carrying medium and the graphite's application method are determined based on an experimental study. The results indicate that graphite nanoplatelets significantly reduce the grinding forces, specific energy, and improve surface finish during surface grinding of hardened D-2 tool steel. A comparison with results obtained in conventional MQL grinding is also provided. The proper selection of graphite, carrying medium and application method can lead to a low cost, nontoxic and simple alternative to solid lubrication or MQL grinding.     

The influence of grinding process on forced vibration damping in headstock of grinding wheel of cylindrical grinder

The paper describes theoretical analysis of dynamics of system: machine–tool–workpiece for cylindrical plunge grinding. The functional as well as mathematical model of grinder equipped with hydrostatic bearing of grinding wheel spindle and hydrostatic slideways has been presented in the paper. Simulations based on that model allow qualitative investigation of grinding force characteristics and its influence on forced vibrations in grinder. Results of simulation supported the thesis, that grinding force significantly influences the forced vibration damping of headstock of grinding wheel.     

An experimental investigation of the effects of workpiece and grinding parameters on minimum quantity lubrication—MQL grinding

Coolant is a term generally used to describe grinding fluids used for cooling and lubricating in grinding process. The main purposes of a grinding fluid can be categorized into lubrication, cooling, transportation of chips, cleaning of the grinding wheel and minimizing the corrosion. On the other hand, grinding fluids have negative influences on the working environment in terms of the health of the machine operator, pollution and the possibility of explosion (for oil). Furthermore, the cost of the grinding fluid, filtering and waste disposal of the metal working fluids is even higher than the tool cost and constitutes a great part of the total cost. Additionally, grinding fluids can not effectively penetrate into the contact zone, are health hazard and their consumption must be restricted. Generally, compared to other machining processes, grinding involves high specific energy. Major fraction of this energy is changed into heat, which makes harmful effect on the surface quality as well as the tool wear. Since there is no coolant lubricant to transfer the heat from the contact zone in dry grinding, surface damages are not preventable. Alternatives to current practices are getting more serious consideration in response to environmental and operational cost pressures. One attractive alternative is the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) grinding or the near dry grinding (NDG). In near dry grinding an air–oil mixture called an aerosol is fed into the wheel-work contact zone. Compared to dry grinding, MQL grinding substantially enhances cutting performance in terms of increasing wheel life and improving the quality of the ground parts. In this research, the influences of workpiece hardness and grinding parameters including wheel speed, feed rate and depth of cut have been studied on the basis of the grinding forces and surface quality properties to develop optimum grinding performances such as cooling, lubrication, high ecological and environmental safety.