Inducement of residual stresses in WC-5%Co cutting inserts by plunge-face grinding

Based on the analysis of the ground surface, grinding forces, and energy, this paper brings a comprehensive approach to determine the effects of different process parameters (cutting and feed speeds, dressing feed speed, abrasive grain size, and grinding wheel bonding material) on the inducement of residual stresses in cemented tungsten carbide cutting inserts finished by plunge-face grinding. The obtained results demonstrated that compressive residual stresses of higher magnitude are mainly observed in the direction perpendicular to the abrasive grain path and can be achieved by the application of vitrified bonded grinding wheels with coarser abrasive grains.