Experimental characterization of micro-grinding process using compressed chilly air

The objective of this research is to characterize the micro-grinding process under the condition of compressed chilly air in the meso-scale grinding machine tool system. The meso-scale grinding machine tool having the size of 210 x 190 x 220 mm is developed in a horizontal configuration. To investigate the effect of compressed chilly air on the micro-grinding performances, grinding force, tool wear patterns and surface roughness are measured and analyzed with varying depths-of-cut feed speeds and temperatures of the compressed air. A series of micro-grinding experiments are conducted by considering electroplated CBN grinding tool and stainless steel workpiece and vitrified CBN grinding tool and tool steel workpiece. The experimental results show the effectiveness of compressed chilly air and its ability to improve tool life with decreased grinding forces in the micro-grinding process. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.