In grinding, the use of cutting fluids aims to improve the final quality of the process, because their purpose is to lubricate the contact area between workpiece and tool and the surface cooling, thus avoiding damages on the machined part. Therefore, this subject has been constantly studied, in order to diminish the amounts applied, due to some problems it may cause. The cost of the final product enhances considerably with the application of cutting fluids; they are environmentally hazardous substances, and the cause of many illnesses to the people involved. In this case, industries, universities and research centers are prompted to research alternative methods which are less harmful to the environment. Between these arises the minimum quantity lubricant (MQL) technique, however having also its disadvantages, like the formation of a grout on wheel surface, which generates higher surface roughness on the workpiece. Aiming to minimize the problems concerning this grout, compressed air jets can be applied in order to clean the abrasive tool, which is the subject of the present work. This study aims to analyze some output variables of the external plunge grinding as surface roughness and roundness errors. Using the obtained results, it is intended to study MQL technique, aiming its improvement through the surface cleaning of the grinding wheel by compressed air jets.
external grinding; minimum quantity of lubricant (MQL); environmental concern; ceramics; diamond wheel; grinding wheel cleaning; compressed air jets
