Experimental investigation on enhancing grindability using alkaline-based fluid for grinding Ti-6Al-4V

ABSTRACT

In the present experimental study, suitability of using alkaline cutting fluid over conventional metalworking fluid for grinding of titanium alloy is critically analyzed when applied through small quantity cooling and lubrication (SQL) technique during up-grinding mode using alumina wheel. Twenty passes have been executed for each grinding condition with infeed, 10 µm per pass. Variation of normal and tangential forces during each pass of grinding has been measured. The grinding (G) ratio has been evaluated and the typical surface roughness parameters of the ground substrate have been measured. The surface quality of the ground substrate and the chip-form have been observed under high-resolution microscope. Substantial improvement in grindability of Ti-6Al-4V has been observed while using alkaline coolant in SQL mode over dry grinding and grinding using conventional coolant in SQL mode. Force requirement and surface roughness have been found to be reduced whereas improvements in G ratio and surface quality have been observed while grinding Ti-6Al-4V using alkaline coolant.

KEYWORDS:

• Grinding
• Ti-6Al-4V
• alumina
• wheel
• SQL
• alkaline
• fluid
• miniature
• pump