An Experimental Investigation on Grindability of Titanium Grade 1 under Different Environmental Conditions

Grinding of titanium alloy is difficult due to its high hot strength, poor thermal conductivity and high work hardenability. At the time of grinding operation, large amount of heat is generated. To control resulting temperature rise at the grinding zone, suitable coolant and/or lubricant is to be used along with selection of appropriate process parameters and grinding wheel. However, supplying grinding fluid inside the grinding zone is difficult, and it needs suitable method of application to control temperature to obtain quality ground specimen. In the present work, a comparative study has been done through experimental investigation between dry grinding, wet grinding using flood cooling, and grinding with grease. Workpiece quality, force needed, grinding-ratio, and chips formed have been observed and results are discussed. Better grindability has been found with the use of grease at 30 μm in feed than the other two conditions tested.