In-process wire electrical discharge dressing (IWEDD) of metal bonded diamond wheels

Electrical discharge dressing has been established as alternative for conditioning metal bonded diamond wheels, which will be exploited to develop in-process wire electrical discharge dressing (IWEDD). The main requirements for its successful implementation are first presented in this work. Small depth of dressing cuts was found to be feasible and high material removal rates were achieved without damaging diamonds. Dulled grains are finally removed by mechanical contact with the work piece. It was found that grinding forces can be kept constant over time while non-productive time is reduced, showing that IWEDD is a suitable conditioning method with great potential for future industrial applications. (C) 2013 CIRP.