Grinding a Hard-to-Grind Materials with Ultrasonic-Assisted Fluid

Abstract

Grinding is one of the machining processes used in the manufacture of high-accuracy parts. When materials which easily adhere to the grinding wheel are used, such as aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium, wheel loading must be considered, as this could have a limiting effect. In this research, the application of ultrasonic energy to the grinding fluid is carried out with a specially-designed effector inserted into the fluid supply flow with the expectation that loading will be removed from the wheel. The experiment is carried out on stainless steel and pure titanium. The grinding force and accession of temperature are investigated during grinding, and the reduction of both grinding force and thermal escalation is confirmed. Burn marks on the ground surface of titanium are also prevented.