GRINDING OF CERAMICS - THE EFFECT ON THEIR STRENGTH PROPERTIES

The effect of grinding on new types of advanced ceramics have been stu died experimentally, a series of grinding tests having been undertaken where three process variables; wheel speed, depth of cut and workpiec e in-feed rate; were investigated to ascertain their influence on the strength of the ceramic samples. Grinding forces generated under the v arious conditions were obtained. Residual stresses introduced into the samples were measured using an X-ray diffraction technique. The wheel surface was monitored during its preparation and during the tests. Th e strengths of the samples were found using a 3-point bend test. The g round surfaces were observed with a scanning electron microscope and t heir Ra values obtained. Results from comparable vitrified and resin-b ond diamond grinding wheels were examined.