Mechanism of surface formation for natural granite grinding

In the present study, zirconia ceramic, crystal and two typical natural granites were ELID ground on a precision grinding machine under the same condition. The surface appearances during the grinding process with different mesh size metal bonded diamond wheels were examined to describe the formation of finely finished granite surfaces. According to the detailed micro-observation of ground surfaces, it can be concluded that the material removal mechanism of the main mineral components for natural granites are really similar to other brittle materials during ELID grinding process. However, the differences of material performances cause the granite materials to be larger critical grain depth of cut and more ductile during finely grinding.