Grinding forces in regular surface texture generation

Certain grinding operations need a specially shaped wheel for regular surface texture (RST) generation. In such cases, wheel nominal active surface is reproduced on the ground surface in a special way. The simple version of the method consists in grinding with the wheel having helical grooves which are deeper than the grinding depth. Pattern regularity depends in longer time on wheel wear. The grinding force is thus one of the most important process indicators. A simulation model of grinding process, assuming random arrangement of abrasive grains was developed and is presented in this paper. The model was verified by grinding force measurements. These measurements showed specific features that were different from those characteristic of conventional grinding. Explanations of the untypical effects observed at force–time series signals for the three basic types of surface patterns are provided.