Abrasive grains micro geometry: a comparison between two acquisition methods

One of the aspects that makes difficult grinding processes modelling is the non-deterministic nature of the cutting tool, in particular the abrasive grains of the grinding wheel have a random distribution and an undefined geometry that influences the grinding forces. In order to develop a reliable 3D model of the grinding process the actual microgeometry of abrasive grains must be acquired. This paper compares the results of two different acquisition methods: the geometry acquired via a laser non-contact instrument is confronted with the one acquired using a computer tomography; the accuracy of the grain micro geometry provided by the two approaches is discussed. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.