Experimental comparison between two- and three-body abrasion processes as applied to alumina ceramics

Material removal rate, surface finish and geometrical characterization of the surface, are output parameters assessed and compared after machining identical aluminum oxide (Al2O3) components by two-body, and three-body abrasion operations, in comparable conditions of load per grain and average abrasive grain size. The goal is to document the decision of efficiently replacing the lapping of ceramics with the more productive, more economical, and environmentally friendly grinding process. The results confirmed that an optimized double side grinding process produces higher material removal rates, better surface finish and surface geometry, in ten-time less machining time as compared to lapping process applied to identical pieces and for comparable machining conditions.