The track-bound principle and use of abrasive grits in combination generate grooves and a pattern on the workpiece surface (Fig. 7.21). The pattern can be important for component function, e. g. in sealing systems where directionality of grinding grooves have to be avoided, or in engine cylinders where oil reservoirs are built. To get a random surface pattern, neither the grit engagement paths nor the grit pattern on the grinding tool should be regular. A statistic grit pattern on the tool serves the latter requirement. Engineered grit patterns [AURI03] or slotted wheels [UHLM10] have regular grit patterns, yet need higher care in process control to generate a random surface pattern (see Sect. 9.2 “Innovative and More Sustainable Tools”).
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Fig. 7.21 Workpiece surface pattern (diagram follows Fig. 7.11) |
The process kinematics defines how the abrasive grits engage the workpiece. Whole numbered RPM ratios and process vibrations lead to repeated surface pattern and should be avoided (Fig. 7.21). The 3D appearance of the surface pattern and its influence on components function offers a lot of potential for studies.