Evaluation of factors controlling CBN abrasive selection for vitrified bonded wheels

Grinding tests were made to investigate the impact of new CBN grains now becoming available through globalization. The study investigated the effect of grit size distribution and toughness in standard and newly developed vitrified bond systems. Tougher grits were found to require the development of stronger bonds to obtain economic benefit. The effect of observable and induced process variables was evaluated to determine minimum levels of wheel wear required for repeatability. It was found that micron levels of process variance significantly impacted wheel life.