Abstract
The wheel surface topography in the grinding process with vitrified CBN wheels have been investigated on the basis of 3-dimensional analysis using a multi-probe SEM, and the relationships between these results and grinding characteristic parameters have been discussed. Moreover, the change of the wheel surface profile during grinding has been evaluated by fractal analysis. There are two regions; an initial wear region and a steady-state wear region, in the grinding process. The cutting edge density decreases with an increase of stock removal during both regions. In the steady-state wear region, the micro self-sharpening phenomenon based on a micro fracture as well as an attritious wear of cutting edge occurs. The change of fractal dimension of wheel surface is closely related to the change of grinding force dominated by the wear behavior of grain cutting edges.
