Experimental evaluation of surface topographies of NMQL grinding ZrO2 ceramics combining multiangle ultrasonic vibration

Nanofluid minimum quantity lubrication (NMQL) technique has many technological and economic advantages in grinding operation. NMQL can improve grinding performance in terms of cooling and lubrication and is ecofriendly because it consumes a small amount of grinding fluid. Ultrasonic machining can improve grinding performance owing to its reciprocating vibration mechanism and furrow widening. Consequently, the simultaneous utilization of these techniques is anticipated to improve the surface quality, especially for hard brittle materials. In this research, multiangle two-dimensional (2D) ultrasonic vibration is utilized in zirconia ceramic grinding. Results reveal that the adhesion and material peeling phenomenon on the workpiece surface is obviously reduced compared with dry grinding without ultrasonic vibration. The synergistic effect of multiangle 2D ultrasonic and NMQL is also studied. With increased angle, the roughness value is found to initially increase (from 45 degrees to 90 degrees) and then decreases (from 90 degrees to 135 degrees). Moreover, the lubricating effect under 90 degrees is the poorest, with the highest Ra and RSm values of 0.703m and 0.106mm, respectively; conversely, the minimum Ra value (0.585m) is obtained under 45 degrees, and the lowest RSm value (0.076mm) is obtained under 135 degrees.