The Effect of Some Operating Variables in Vertical Spindle Abrasive Machining of Mild Steel

This paper reports the results of a systematic test program designed to determine the effect of work area, downfeed rate, and segment grade on performance on vertical spindle surface grinders. Metal removal rate is shown to be a function of volumetric feed rate only. Wheel wear rate is shown to be a linear function of volumetric feed rate with the slope of each line a function of workpiece area. It is also shown that the effect of segment grade is to vertically displace the metal removal rate, wheel wear rate, grinding ratio, and power curves. The vertical displacement of the metal removal rate, wheel wear rate, and grinding ratio becomes progressively less as the hardness of the segment increases. The effect is reversed for power. The practical significance and application of this information are also discussed, showing examples of how it can be applied to solve certain general problems.