Development of a machining system that can consider thermal deformation of the workpiece in cylindrical grinding

Validation of dimensional accuracy under several grinding conditions

Abstract

In cylindrical plunge grinding, the grinding machine is generally controlled by a sizing gauge that measures stock removal of the workpiece during the grinding process. However, workpiece size error occurs due to thermal deformation. During the grinding process, the grinding heat is conducted into the workpiece, and the workpiece is cooled down after the grinding process is finished. Therefore, the ground workpiece shrinks after the grinding process. To improve the size accuracy of the ground workpiece, it is necessary to operate the grinding machine with consideration of thermal deformation of the workpiece during the grinding process. In this study, grinding experiments were carried out considering the thermal deformation of the workpiece under several grinding conditions. The results confirmed that the size error was reduced to less than 0.5 μm in radius using the proposed grinding system.