Abstract

Fixed abrasive machining, which was considered a finishing operation involving low rates of removal, has evolved as a major competitor to cutting. As the primary fixed abrasive machining means, the borders between grinding and other operations such as superfinishing, lapping, polishing, and flat honing are no longer distinct. Machining with grinding wheels extends from high-removal-rate processes to the domains of ultrahigh accuracy and superfinishing. This chapter presents the fixed abrasive machining technology in fundamental and application terms. The topics cover a range of fixed abrasive machining process with grinding wheels, grinding parameters, and application technology in grinding ductile and brittle materials. The aim is to present a unified approach to machining with grinding wheels that will be useful in solving new grinding problems of the future. It should be of value to engineers and technicians involved in solving problems in industry and to those doing research on machining with fixed abrasive machining in universities and research organizations.