In-process automatic dressing system for grinding wheels

The condition of a grinding wheel surface has a major effect on the surface quality and integrity of the finished component. The condition of the grinding wheel is constantly changing during the process of grinding. Self-dressing is one feature of this process, and blunting and wearing of the cutting grits are other undesirable outcomes. The wear of grits and falling out of sharp cutting edges have serious effects on the ground component integrity and surface finish. This can happen to all types of grinding wheels. This paper presents a novel automated system for dressing of all types of grinding wheels. This system can detect in process the condition of the wheel surface, order a dresser to move to the grinding wheel and dress it to the desired condition under the control of the system and then retract to its original position. This is done without any operator interference. Hence, the system can be readily used with CNC grinders. The system was designed to provide a highly accurate and controllable dressing condition.