Study on Surface Refining with ELID Grinding (2st report)

Abstract

A new electrical grinding method (Electrolytic In-Process Dressing Grinding) for the fabrication of machined surfaces with desirable characteristics for biomaterials (stainless steel and titanium alloy) and hard film (TiAIN film) is presented. The electrical grinding method proposed in this study, in which electric current is applied to the grinding fluid in the machining process, improves oxide formation on the finished surfaces, thereby realizing finished surfaces with extremely thick and stable oxide layers. Compared with alumina polishing, electrical grinding yields machined surfaces having excellent corrosion resistance. Furthermore, in addition to the highly smooth surface, an oxide layer formed by electrical grinding imparts a higher Vickers hardness and superior tribological properties to machined surfaces.