Diamond wheel wear mechanism and its impact on the surface generation in parallel diamond grinding of RB-SiC/Si

Abstract The diamond wheel wear mechanism and its impact on the surface generation of RB-SiC/Si carbide under parallel grinding were investigated. The machined surface was mainly characterized by surface fracture and diamond grits scratched plastic grooves, and the surface finish of the machined RB-SiC/Si improved with decreasing feed rate. But the non-uniform surface appeared due to the varied material removal rate at different radial position for a certain workpiece. Both macro- and micro-wheel wear occurred during grinding, and the macro-wheel wear appeared in the form of profile deviation and rapid loss of sharp edge, which contributed to the appearance of cone shape at the center of workpiece. Power spectrum analysis by Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) confirmed the significant influence of micro-wheel wear on surface generation, which involved random diamond grit splintering, abrasive flattening, grain dislodgement and graphitization.