Patent ID: 7413499
Filing Date: 2008-08-19
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. A process of grinding a surface of a workpiece, by a grinding tool rotated about an axis thereof, said process comprising: a constant force grinding step of grinding the surface of the workpiece, by pressing at least one of the grinding tool and the workpiece against the other of the grinding tool and the workpiece, such that a constant force is exerted on said other of the grinding tool and the workpiece by said at least one of the grinding tool and the workpiece; a constant feed-rate grinding step of grinding the surface of the workpiece, by moving said at least one of the grinding tool and the workpiece relative to said other of the grinding tool and the workpiece in an infeed direction that increases a depth of cut of the grinding tool into the workpiece, at a constant feed rate, wherein said constant feed-rate grinding step is implemented prior to implementation of said constant force grinding step; a grinding load detecting step of detecting a grinding load acting on at least one of the grinding tool and the workpiece during implementation of said constant feed-rate grinding step; and a switching step of switching said constant feed-rate grinding step to said constant force grinding step, on the basis of said grinding load that is detected in said grinding load detecting step.