Non-magnetic fluid grinding

This paper describes a development of the magnetic fluid grinding process for the finish manufacture of ceramic balls. Magnetic fluid in magnetic fluid grinding has three functions: to cause viscous drag on balls moving through it, so that large sliding speeds may be created at the contacts between the balls and their drive (grinding) shaft, to create a very compliant suspension for the balls and to levitate loose grinding grits so that they may embed in the drive shaft. But magnetic fluid is costly and needs to be maintained. Here it is shown how these functions have been realised without magnetic fluid. The non-magnetic fluid grinding process has achieved removal rates from silicon nitride balls 25 times higher than lapping, in the same way as has magnetic fluid grinding. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.