Enhancing the grinding performance of RB-SiC ceramic using abrasive water jet dressed diamond grinding wheels.

Reaction-bonded silicon carbide (RB-SiC) is regarded as difficult-to-machine ceramic materials with extremely high strength and hardness. The work focuses on the grinding performance evaluation of RB-SiC ground by the dressing diamond grinding wheel with AWJ. Orthogonal experiments studied the influence of processing parameters on grinding force and 3D surface roughness, with the response surface method identifying optimal parameters. Explanation of the ground surface topography and 3D surface roughness in a comprehensive manner shows that an erosion of the bonding material by micro-cutting but diamond grains are being pulled out rather than cut. Results reflect a correlation between surface topography and diamond wheel dressing. The results are of great significance for future formulating an appropriate grinding process to machine RB-SiC ceramics. [Display omitted] • An efficient RB-SiC machining-strengthening technique integrates abrasive water jet dressing and grinding. • The amplitude, spatial, and hybrid parameters of 3D surface topography were analyzed. • The bonding material is eroded through micro-cutting while the diamond grains are being pulled out. • The IAWJD technique enhanced the grindability and reduced the dressing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]