Precision surface grinding characteristics of ceramic matrix composites and structural ceramics with electrolytic in-process dressing

A novel grinding technology that incorporates in-process dressing of metal-bonded superabrasive wheels, known as Electrolytic In-Process Dressing (ELID), has been used for surface grinding of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) and structural ceramics. The grinding operation was performed with CBN and diamond wheels using various grit sizes and bonds. The ELID grinding was performed with metal-bonded wheels, and the conventional (non-ELID) grinding was performed with resinoid-bonded wheels. Compared with conventional grinding, ELID grinding with a cast-iron-bonded diamond wheel produced an average peak-to-valley roughness about 100 nm smaller during finish grinding. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also showed improvement of the ground surface with respect to the shape of the grinding marks. ELID grinding showed increased stability in grinding force for high stock removal trough grinding) and also produced a significantly lower dulled area at the edge compared with conventional grinding.