Mechanisms of synthetic diamond wear in tools for electrochemical grinding

The peculiarities of synthetic diamond wear in tools for electrochemical grinding are studied for the machining of metal–ceramic hard alloys. The influence of structure, mechanical characteristics of both diamond grains and hard alloys as well as the regimes of grinding on diamond wear are considered. Data of diamond consumption during electrochemical grinding are presented in comparison with the routine grinding process. Initiation and development and the mutual relation of various components of the diamond deterioration — cracking, abrasion, adhesion, diffusion and chemical wear at the electrochemical grinding — are discussed. Optimum regimes of hard alloy electrochemical grinding are recommended: working voltage 5–8 V; current density 20–60 A/cm 2; normal component of grinding force 1.5–2.0 MPa; grinding speed 12–15 m/s.