Fabrication of functionally graded grinding wheel by a centrifugal mixed-powder method for CFRP-drilling applications

We are developing functionally graded grinding wheels fabricated by a centrifugal mixed-powder method. As a first step of this fabrication method, a powder mixture of abrasive particles and metal matrix particles is inserted into a spinning mould. After that, a metal matrix ingot is melted and then the molten metal matrix is poured into the spinning mould with the powder mixture. As a result, the molten metal matrix penetrates into the space between the particles due to the pressure exerted by the centrifugal force. At the same time, the metal matrix powder is melted by the heat from molten matrix poured from the crucible. Finally, a ring-shaped sample with abrasive particles distributed on its surface (functionally graded grinding wheel) can be obtained. In this study, functionally graded grinding wheel fabricated by the centrifugal mixed-powder method will be reported.