Exploring Grindability of Titanium Grade 1 Using Silicon Carbide Wheel

Titanium and its alloys are being increasingly used in aerospace engineering, corrosive fluid pumps, heat exchangers, sea vehicles, etc. However, it is quite difficult to grind for its high chemical reactivity, high strength, high hardenability and low thermal conductivity causing high grinding temperature, wheel loading, wheel material removal, grit wear, etc. Therefore, selection of wheel, wheel speed and fluid for grinding of titanium is important to achieve desirable surface quality. Formation of a stiff air layer is a major constrain restricting the fluid enter the grinding zone. Optimization of a method of grinding fluid application is essential to control thermal problems from interaction of the wheel grains with the work surface. Adopting an appropriate fluid delivery system may enhance grindability of titanium alloy and can reduce environmental pollution. In the present experimental work, surface roughness, grinding forces and grinding chips are observed under the condition of dry, and wet using a compound nozzle. Surface grinding of titanium Grade 1 alloy is done with the use of silicon carbide wheel. It is found out that grinding under wet with compound nozzle fluid delivery system exhibits fairly good grindability.