Electrical discharge grinding versus abrasive grinding in polycrystalline diamond machining

Abstract

Electrical Discharge Grinding (EDG) and conventional grinding are two different processes with different removal mechanisms and are typically used to machine Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD). This paper addresses the quality issue of PCD tools produced by these two processes in machining sharp cutting edges. Closely similar visible quality indices (surface roughness and tool sharpness) have been obtained by both processes. However, it was found that there is a difference in residual stress directions and graphitization levels. Through the Raman method, the quantitative analysis of residual stress and graphitization inherence by both processes were also presented and discussed in detail.