3D graphical evaluation of micron-scale protrusion topography of diamond grinding wheel

A new graphical evaluation of micron-scale wheel protrusion topography is proposed by using 3D coordinate data derived from contact measuring of ♯180 diamond grinding wheel. The objective is to quantify 3D distribution of grain protrusion height, gain rake angle and grain relief angle on wheel working surface in dressing. First adaptive measuring was conducted on the base of topographical curvature to identify grain cutting edge in 3D space, second grain protrusion mode was established by polar coordinate transfer so as to ascertain datum plane of grain protrusion, then linear approximation graphics was conducted to display wheel protrusion topography, finally distributions of gain rake angle and grain relief angle were investigated with reference to grain protrusion height. Analytical results show that higher outer grains have more and shaper cutting edges, but lower layer grains retain approximately original crystal forms. In wheel protrusion topography, grain protrusion heights, grain rake angles and grain relief angles are dispersedly distributed in the range 0–28 μm, −45.0° to −89.1° and 1.2–73.1°, respectively, which can be increased by dressing. It is concluded that 3D grain protrusion attitudes distributed on wheel working surface can be quantified by 3D graphical evaluation method.