Investigations on the application of solid lubricants in grinding

The intense heat generation involved in the grinding process, due to high specific energy and high wheel-workpiece friction, is critical to the product quality. Cooling and lubrication therefore play decisive roles in grinding tribology. Conventional liquid coolants employed in flood form are ineffective due to the 'air barrier' and 'film boiling' effects. Further, grinding fluids cannot be recommended in the light of ecological and economic manufacture. Minimization or possible elimination of grinding fluids by substituting their functions by some other means is emerging as a thrust area of research in grinding. The present study explored the possibility of application of solid lubricants in grinding, as a means to reduce the heat generated due to friction, towards finding an alternative for the conventional coolants. It covers a feasibility investigation with a variety of solid lubricants and the development of grinding processes or technologies with this concept. Improved process results were obtained with solid lubricant application; if it can be applied in a proper way with means for swarf removal and wheel cleaning, this concept could emerge as an effective alternative to conventional coolants.