Performances of Ni3Al-based intermetallic IC10 in creep-feed grinding

Ni3Al-based intermetallic IC10 exhibits prominent high-temperature performance (e.g., high melting points, resistant to gas corrosion, and creep resistance); it acts as an ideal material employed to manufacture aero-engine turbine blades. Since the internal structure of the Ni3Al-based intermetallics differs from that of the conventional superalloy, its grindability significantly limits its application. Grinding parameters are vital factors affecting the surface quality of Ni3Al intermetallic IC10. In the present study, single-factor and orthogonal experiments were performed to ascertain the grinding temperature, grinding force, and grinding surface quality of Ni3Al-based intermetallic IC10. As revealed from the conclusion drawn in this study, surface quality and grinding force were considerably affected by cutting depth and feed rate, whereas they were less affected by wheel speed. The process of grinding with high feed rate or deep cutting depth would lead to the production of grooves, debris, delamination, and other defects on the test sample surface. The grinding temperature was deeply affected by the cutting depth. The empirical formulas of the relationships between process parameters and grinding temperature and force were calculated by orthogonal experiments, thereby verifying the correctness of single-factor experiments. Small cutting depth and low feed rate can improve surface integrity and reduce grinding surface defects.