METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ABRASIVELY MACHINING A WORKPIECE

摘要

Method and Apparatus for Abrasively Machining a Workpiece A method and apparatus for abrasively machining a workpiece includes the establishment of an eddy-current in the workpiece at an area where an abrasive tool contacts the workpiece. Heretofore it has not been possible to adaptively control an abrasive machining operation as a function of changes occurring in the microstructure of the workpiece during the machining operation. In particular, it has not been possible to detect non-visible grinder burn on the surface of a workpiece during a grinding operation. The present invention solves the above problem by providing an abrasive machining apparatus having a means for establishing an eddy-current in a workpiece at an area where a tool contacts the workpiece and sensing any change in the eddy-current in response to change in the microstructure of the workpiece resulting from the abrasive machining operation. The method and apparatus of the present invention is particularly useful for grinding hardened ferrous metal workpieces without incurring grinder burn defects.