Process Performance of Low Frequency Vibratory Grinding of Inconel 718

Inconel is used largely in aerospace industry for the manufacturing of jet engine components, where high heat resistance materials are preferred. Inconel has special properties such as high strength to weight ratio, low thermal conductivity and poor machinability. This has led to numerous researches into the machinability of this material that still poses challenges to unexperienced new manufacturers. The work presented here, employs low frequency oscillation to induce vibratory grinding of Inconel 718 with reduced coolant application at very low pressure. A porous aluminium oxide-grinding wheel was used for the experimental work with and without oscillations. The experimental results showed that the superimposition of vibration improved the overall process performance. A reduction of over 30% in grinding cutting forces was recorded, along with an extended wheel life, increase in material removal rate and improved surface roughness quality.