A Study on Ultrasonic Assisted Grinding of Nickel-Based Superalloys

Ultrasonic assisted grinding experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of the ultrasonic vibration (UV) on the face grinding characteristics of nickel based superalloy of Rene77. In experiments, an electroplated cBN grinding wheel was ultrasonically vibrated dominantly along its axis. The experimental results indicated that the X-axis and Y-axis components of grinding forces with UV were smaller by 44.5% and 31.6%, respectively, than those without UV. The usual fractures and debris on the surface of workpiece disappeared and the work-surface roughness Ra was decreased by 42.3% once the UV was applied. The abrasion of the grinding wheel without UV is more serious than that with UV.