Impressive numbers achieved using Ceramet diamond abrasive wheels
Manufacturers of medical implants in North America should take note of a hip ball manufacturing trial conducted in Europe. Using a Meister Ceramet high performance diamond wheel for roughing, the manufacturer obtained dramatically higher throughputs and better dimensional tolerances on the final product without ever dressing of the wheel.
What is Ceramet?
Analogous to Meisterʼs hDD (hybrid Diamond Dresser) technology for CBN, the Ceramet wheels provide the wear resistance of a metal bond in combination with the porosity of a vitrified bond.
The advantages are many: high grit exposure • minimal bond/workpiece interaction • excellent chip and coolant carrying capacity • reduced grinding forces • high stock removal rates • less subsurface damage to the workpiece • self-sharpening behavior • excellent grit retention and tool life • customizable by altering the grit selection and pore structure.
The Trial
Without changing its process the manufacturer substituted Meister Ceramet wheels for roughing and vitrified diamond wheels for finishing a ceramic hip ball.The results are summarized below.
Significance of Results
- Better than 50% faster stock removal while roughing with Ceramet, due to sharper cutting and no dressing cycles. This means more time could be allotted to finishing.
- 25% reduction in grinding pressure minimizes forces that could result in distortions requiring correction during finishing.
- Better profile accuracy most likely attributable to sharper cutting and reduction of distorting pressures during roughing.
