Precision grinding of advanced ceramics using superabrasives with glass bond

Due to their superior properties such as high wear, heat resistance, low density, and high strength, advanced ceramic materials are being utilized in increasing number of applications and replacing metals and polymers. Wheels containing superabrasives (diamond or cubic boron nitride) are used to precision grind these materials to finished components in about 70% of the applications. The typical grinding wheel bonded by a thermosetting resin does not provide acceptable wheel life and material removal rates to make these ceramic materials commercially viable. Glass bonded superabrasive wheels developed recently and tailored for grinding of ceramics, have shown significant productivity through higher cut rates, longer wheel life values, and better form holding capabilities. Good strength of the ground ceramic work pieces indicates that the damage is maintained at low levels after grinding. Through case studies, this paper discusses the benefits of these new glass bonded wheel specifications, together with some of their limitations.