Methods and approaches to improving the design of flexible backing grinding tools

Abstract

Abstract Grinding with flexible backing grinding tools, such as flap wheels and grinding belts, has found wide application at all stages from roughing to decorative surface finish. At the same time, the performance of traditional factory-built flap wheels and grinding belts in many respects do not meet the expectations of consumers. Among other reasons, this is due to the fact that the designs of flap wheels and grinding belts are based on traditional sandpaper. In turn, the sandpaper is made from abrasive mass which is not sorted by shape and not oriented relative to the backing plate surface. The described situation leads to the fact that a large number of grains does not participate in the cutting process, but on the contrary, have a negative impact on it, because the abrasive particles fall out of the bond, heat and deform the material to be ground without cutting it off. The approaches to improving the design of flexible backing grinding tools are discussed, the issues of their design and manufacture using the abrasive grains with controlled shape and orientation are revealed in the article. The data on the impact of the grain shape and orientation on the cutting ability of grinding belts are given.