MECHANISMS OF SYNTHETIC DIAMOND WEAR IN TOOLS FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL GRINDING

The peculiarities of synthetic diamond wear in tools for electrochemic al grinding are studied for the machining of metal-ceramic hard alloys . The influence of structure, mechanical characteristics of both diamo nd grains and hard alloys as well as the regimes of grinding on diamon d wear are considered. Data of diamond consumption during electrochemi cal grinding are presented in comparison with the routine grinding pro cess. Initiation and development and the mutual relation of various co mponents of the diamond deterioration - cracking, abrasion, adhesion, diffusion and chemical wear at the electrochemical grinding - are disc ussed. Optimum regimes of hard alloy electrochemical grinding are reco mmended: working voltage 5-8 V; current density 20-60 A/cm(2); normal component of grinding force 1.5-2.0 MPa; grinding speed 12-15 m/s. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.