METHOD FOR ASSESSING THE GRINDING WHEELS OPERATIONAL PROPERTIES

The paper presents a new, multi-criteria method which allows the numerical evaluation of the machining process in terms of efficiency, quality and costs. Three indicators were developed to assess the operational properties of grinding wheels. Their values are determined on the basis of the results of short grinding tests carried out on a special test stand. The evaluation of the proposed indicators is described. Furthermore, the application exemple of this method in determining the grinding wheel's operational properties is presented. In the research the vitrified alumina oxide grinding wheels were used for grinding of constructional and tool steels of various hardness. The results of the experiments show that the proposed indicators are an effective tool for assessing the process and results of grinding for a specific grinding wheel and material within certain tested grinding parameters range. The study also showed that the differences in indicators 'values, observed during tests of grinding specific material type using grinding wheels with different properties, am useful for optimizing the choice of tool type and machining conditions.