Strategies for production of parts textured by grinding using patterned wheels

The functionalization of surfaces by introducing pre-engineered textures is a new requirement from industry. Surfaces more prone to promote micro-lubrication are being designed by engineers and incorporated into the components specification. The major challenge is to develop manufacturing methods able to produce these textures in a repeatable and economically viable way. The aim of this research work is to develop grinding strategies based on the method proposed in [1] for producing textured surfaces by grinding. The characteristics of the produced textures are measured and evaluated using new proposed parameters. The obtained results show the potential of this process solution for the production of micro pockets for hydrodynamic bearings application. (C) 2013 CIRP.