The role of specific energy in micro-grinding of titanium alloy

Journal article, 2021

This paper is concerned with understanding the role of specific energy in micro-grinding of conventional and additively manufactured Ti6Al4V. The effects of grinding and dressing parameters, cooling-lubrication conditions, and the directions of material build-up are studied. It is demonstrated that the minimum specific energy in single grain tests is independent of the material-fabrication method. The lowest measured specific energy obtained is 11.5 J/mm3 for both workpiece materials. The direction of material build-up influenced the process only when grinding with low aggressiveness, where 20% higher specific energy was observed. Similar specific energies were obtained for oil-lubricated and dry conditions, indicating that lubrication had minimal effect. The effects of the diamond concentration in the wheel and the dressing parameters were also investigated. Comparable specific energies were observed for wheels with C150 and C200 concentrations. The specific energy was found being predominantly influenced by dressing. Coarse dressing conditions produced 18% lower specific energy and, therefore, a more efficient micro-grinding process.