Vitrified Bond Abrasive for High-Speed Grinding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bonded abrasive tools with vitrified bond materials face challenges in high-speed grinding operations due to temperature-induced degradation of microcrystalline alpha-alumina (MCA) abrasive grains, requiring higher formation temperatures that damage the grains and reduce performance.

Innovation Solution

A bonded abrasive article with a single-phase vitreous bond material composed of at least 45 wt% silicon oxide and not greater than 55 wt% silicon oxide, along with specific alkali earth and alkali oxide content, formed at temperatures below 1000°C to minimize grain degradation, featuring a high strength ratio and porosity suitable for high-speed grinding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If high formation temperatures (1100°C or greater) are used to form the bond material, then the bond strength and structural integrity are improved, but the abrasive grains undergo thermal degradation and reaction with the bond material, reducing grain sharpness and performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebond strengthVSAvoidthermal degradation of abrasive grains
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the bond material by incorporating specific amounts of boron oxide (15-30 wt%), zinc oxide (5-20 wt%), and other oxides in controlled proportions. This compositional modification enables the bond to achieve sufficient strength at lower firing temperatures (900-1100°C), thereby resolving the contradiction between bond strength and thermal degradation of abrasive grains

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite bond material system combining multiple oxide components (boron oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, alumina, etc.) that work synergistically. This composite approach allows the bond to achieve the desired mechanical properties at reduced temperatures, preventing thermal damage to the abrasive grains while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If lower formation temperatures (below 1000°C) are used to protect abrasive grains, then thermal degradation is reduced, but the bond material may lack sufficient strength for high-speed grinding operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal degradation of abrasive grainsVSAvoidbond strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by incorporating zinc oxide (5-20 wt%) and boron oxide (15-30 wt%) in specific ratios, along with controlled amounts of alkali and alkaline earth oxides. These compositional changes enable the bond to achieve adequate strength at lower firing temperatures (900-1100°C), resolving the contradiction between protecting abrasive grains and maintaining bond strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different functional requirements to different components of the bond material: boron oxide provides low-temperature sintering and glass formation, zinc oxide contributes to strength and hardness, while alumina and silica provide structural framework. This localized functional assignment allows the overall bond to achieve sufficient strength at lower temperatures without compromising any critical property

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enhances the abrasive article's mechanical properties, allowing for higher material removal rates, improved corner holding ability, and reduced power consumption during high-speed grinding operations while maintaining the integrity of MCA grains.

Implementation Method 1

the bond material can be formed from at least 45 wt % silicon oxide (SiO2) and not greater than 55 wt% silicon oxide (SiO2) and at least 0.5 wt % and not greater than 2.2 wt% alkali earth compounds (RO)... formed at temperatures below 1000°C to minimize grain degradation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Implementation Method 2

the bonded abrasive body comprises a strength ratio (MOR/MOE) of at least about 0.80... allowing for higher material removal rates, improved corner holding ability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical strength:

Data Source

PatentEP2691208B1Abrasive article for high-speed grinding operations
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 SAINT GOBAIN ABRASIFS SA
  • EP2691208B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2691208B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2691208B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An abrasive article includes a bonded abrasive body having abrasive particles comprising microcrystalline alumina (MCA) contained within a bond material. In an embodiment, the bonded abrasive body has a strength ratio (MOR/MOE) of at least about 0.80.