New Diamond Grinding Wheels with Electrically Conductive Cutting Edges

The application of an electrically conductive diamond material to a new type of grinding wheel whose cutting edges possess electrical conductivity has been tried in this research work. Firstly, electrical discharge machining is applied on a solid surface of an electrically conductive CVD diamond film to create protrusions like cutting edges. Secondly, it is confirmed that the EDMed surface of the diamond material has an ability of stock removing when used in the form of a small lapping wheel. Thirdly, two different types of grinding wheels for micro grinding, i.e. i) a V-shaped profile wheel and ii) a micro mounted wheel, have been manufactured. And it is found that very fine V-shaped grooves can be made on a cemented carbide workpiece by using those wheels with very small wheel wear.