High-speed grinding with CBN grinding wheels — applications and future technology

The basic mechanisms and the applications for the technology of high-speed grinding with CBN grinding wheels are presented. In addition to developments in process technology associated with high-speed machining, the grinding machine, coolant system, and the grinding tool also need to adapt to high-speed machining. Workpiece-related factors influencing the results of machining are also discussed. Today we will talk current research and future developments in the area of high-speed grinding, and the development of high-speed CBN camshaft grinding.

More than 25 years of high-speed grinding have expanded the field of application for grinding from classical finish machining to high-performance machining. High-speed grinding offers excellent potential for good component quality combined with high productivity. One factor behind the innovative process has been the need to increase productivity for conventional finishing processes. In the course of process development it has become evident that high-speed grinding in combination with preliminary machining processes close to the finished contour enable the configuration of new process sequences with high-performance capabilities. Using the appropriate grinding machines and grinding tools, it is possible to expand the scope of grinding to high-performance machining of soft materials. Initially, a basic examination of process mechanisms are discussed that relates the configuration of grinding tools and the requirements of grinding soft materials. The effect of an effective and environmentally friendly coolant system is also investigated in addition to the effect of workpiece-related variables on the suitability of using high-speed grinding techniques.

It has been shown that the development of vitrified CBN grinding technology is a collaborative partnership between end user, machine tool builder, and abrasive supplier. In this particular case, the end user has been able to reduce grinding costs to below that incurred using conventional abrasives. Continued collaboration in addition to new developments in materials technology associated with abrasive products and camshafts will reduce grinding costs even further.