Sustainable techniques in grinding: State of the art review

Abstract

Grinding is the most common method for machining of materials like ceramics, composites, alloys and super alloys having high strength to weight ratio. However, due to stringent mechanical properties of these advanced materials, several challenges are faced with conventional mode of grinding like environmental factors, worker health issues, surface integrity, material stability and more energy investment during machining process. This paper presents the review of recent advancements in grinding techniques in order to achieve sustainable grinding process. A systematic review methodology has been adopted to highlight the research findings which lead to cleaner production using grinding process. Several techniques namely ultrasonic assisted machining, biodegradable minimal quantity lubrication (MQL), and machining in the cryogenic conditions have been elaborated in the present review article. The use of these sustainable techniques is found to result in a significant improvement in surface quality and surface integrity, reduction in grinding forces up to 50–60% over conventional grinding. Besides this, it also has been found to double the abrasive wheel life.