Investigation on using high-pressure fluid jet in grinding process for less wheel loaded areas

Wheel loading entails chip accumulation in porosities between grains or welding to the top of cutting grains. It is considered one of the most prevalent problems in grinding nickel-based super alloys. Utilizing separate jet cleaning systems can significantly reduce wheel loading. In this study, a separate high-pressure coolant was supplied through a nozzle towards the wheel surface to flush out the chips. The effects of various wheel cleaning parameters on the loaded area to wheel surface ratio in relation to grinding performance were examined. It was observed that the lowest wheel loading was achieved at a nozzle standoff distance of 70 mm from the wheel's surface. Nozzle stream direction had no significant effect. Increasing flow rate and jet speed led to a significant decrease in wheel loading and corresponding specific energy until a threshold value was reached. Furthermore, the loaded area to wheel surface ratio was reduced by 100 % and the corresponding specific energy by up to 30 % when the wheel cleaning system was employed.