Effect of dressing on the process mechanics and material separation mechanisms in finishing of cemented carbides with fine diamond grinding wheels

Journal article, 2026

Finishing of WC–Co cemented carbides with resin bonded fine diamond grinding wheels was studied with emphasis on dressing. The variation of dressing conditions generated grinding wheel topographies from smooth, plateau-like to rough, quantified by areal surface texture parameters. Analysis of forces, specific grinding energy and surface roughness establishes how dressing-defined grinding wheel topography governs finishing behaviour. Smooth grinding wheel conditions yielded the lowest workpiece roughness but higher forces and specific grinding energy, whereas rough grinding wheel conditions reduced mechanical load and energy at the expense of surface finish. SEM revealed Co-binder smearing and WC-grain flattening on the finished surfaces.