Abrasive processes achieve fine surfaces and tight tolerances.
Grinding uses abrasive wheels (Al₂O₃, SiC, CBN, diamond) for hard materials and fine finish (Ra 0.2–0.8 µm, tolerance ±0.002 mm). Types: surface, cylindrical, centreless. Honing, lapping and polishing refine further. Wheel dressing, coolant and burn control are critical.
Hardened bearing races are finished by grinding and superfinishing.
Grinding gives fine finishes and tight tolerances on hard materials, so it is used as a final step in precision manufacture.
Abrasive processes achieve fine surfaces and tight tolerances.
Grinding gives fine finishes and tight tolerances on hard materials, so it is used as a final step in precision manufacture.
It removes material with many small abrasive grains, which cut very fine chips and give a smooth finish.
Hardened steel is difficult to machine, and grinding can reach tight tolerances on hard parts without softening them.
Typical applications include grinding a hardened shaft journal to size, finishing a sealing face on a valve to a smooth surface and sharpening cutting tools to precise geometry.
Study "Turning, milling and drilling" first (topic 20 of 102 in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
Specific grinding energy. Grit size. Wheel wear.
Hardened bearing races are finished by grinding and superfinishing.
The next topic is "Cutting tool materials", which builds directly on this one.
It is classed as Beginner in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems (topic 21 of 102). It is an entry-level topic. It relies only on basic school mathematics and the ideas introduced earlier in this discipline.
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