Analysis of chip size distribution using image processing technology to estimate wear state of cylindrical grinding wheel

Abstract In theory, the chip shape distribution changes with the wearing of a grinding wheel in both sur-face and cylindrical grinding processes. However, the relationship between the chip shape distri- bution and wear has not been verified experimentally and quantitatively under any of the grinding techniques. To this end, in this work, chips from repeated cylindrical grinding processes are col-lected. It is noted that the workpiece surface becomes rougher with each repetition. The images of the individual chips, obtained using a particle tracking system are analyzed, and the results indicate that the proportion of small chips and slender chips, respectively known as melted and flow chips, increases when the grinding wheel is worn, which is in contrast to the implications of the established theory.