Three-dimensional topography modelling and grinding performance evaluating of micro-structured CVD diamond grinding wheel

Micro-structured chemical vapour deposition (CVD) diamond grinding tools are attracting increasing attention in precision grinding and micro-grinding because of their advantages in low grinding forces, high machining accuracy and good wear resistance. A well-developed wheel topography model for this kind of emerging grinding tool not only can facilitate the analysis and optimization the grinding process, but also is the essential basics for the intelligent machining. In this paper, a novel three-dimensional surface topography model of original CVD diamond grinding wheels was firstly established based on the multiple random data of the shape, size, posture and distribution of the CVD diamond grains. And the ground surface topography model was simulated depending on the established wheel model and grinding kinematics. Secondly, the models were verified by the results of grinding experiments in the means of topographical characteristics, surface roughness and PSD. Then, the influence of grinding parameters and wheel wear on the grinding performance of CVD diamond wheels was discussed. Finally, the micro-structured CVD grinding wheel models were presented by coupling different forms of micro-structures. And the effects of micro-structure parameters including widths, inclination angles, structuring ratios and types on the grinding performance of micro-structured CVD diamond wheels were investigated quantitatively. This study provides a quantitative and effective method for the design of CVD diamond grinding wheels and their surface structuring. Furthermore, the proposed micro-structured analysis method is also available for other structured grinding wheels.