The primary ingredient of abrasive tools is abrasive, which serves as a direct medium for grinding and polishing operations. To cater to the diverse requirements of different workpiece materials, the abrasive must possess certain fundamental characteristics, namely hardness, toughness, strength, thermal stability, and chemical stability. These qualities determine the effectiveness and suitability of the abrasive in various applications.
The specific purpose of each abrasive is determined by factors such as the chemical composition of the abrasive, the integrity of the crystal structure, and the fusion journal in the crystal. These factors ultimately influence the hardness of the material. Therefore, understanding the relationship between these elements is crucial in selecting the right abrasive for a particular application. By considering the chemical composition and crystal structure integrity, one can accurately determine the hardness of the material and choose the appropriate abrasive tool for the task at hand.
Abrasive toughness is a property that measures the ability of an abrasive to resist breakage. It is essential to maintain the cutting action of the abrasive micro edge. When an abrasive is tough enough, it can develop new cutting micro edges when the old ones break, thus maintaining its useful abrasive state. For example, brown corundum with a high content of titanium has reduced toughness. The shape of the abrasive particles also has a bearing on their toughness, with round particles being tougher than flaky and pointy particles.
To achieve optimal grinding results, it is crucial for the abrasive material to possess sufficient strength that can withstand the frequent impact of grinding forces during the process. It is only when the material is strong enough that it can fully manifest its cutting capability.
It's crucial to consider thermal stability when it comes to grinding molds. The grinding process generates a significant amount of heat, reaching temperatures between 400-1000 °C. Inadequate thermal stability can lead to problems such as adhesion or passivation, ultimately resulting in the blockage of abrasive tools. Hence, ensuring appropriate thermal stability is vital to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of the grinding process.