Comparing different plunge cylindrical grinding cycles based on workpiece roughness and process vibration

grinding is an important process used when tight dimensional accuracy and low workpiece surface roughness are demanded. despite the fact that grinding is widely used in industry, it is not well understood. the elastic deformation, which occurs in the beginning of the cycles, makes it necessary a spark out in the end of the cycle. an alternative to this is the use of a three-phase cycle. the main objective of this work is to compare the plunge cylindrical conventional grinding cycle (with spark out) and a three-phase one in terms of workpiece surface roughness. in order to accomplish this goal, several plunge grinding of hardened aisi 4340 steel experiments were carried out using both kinds of cycles in different grinding conditions. the vibration signal of the system was acquired in order to better understand the differences between the two kinds of cycles. the main conclusion was that conventional cycle produces lower workpiece surface roughness than the three-phase one (both with the same cycle time). it happens because the elastic deformation is better released in the conventional cycle.