Model for Predicting the Micro-Grinding Force of K9 Glass Based on Material Removal Mechanisms

K9 optical glass has superb material properties used for various industrial applications. However, the high hardness and low fracture toughness greatly fluctuate the cutting force generated during the grinding process, which are the main factors affecting machining accuracy and surface integrity. With a view to further understand the grinding mechanism of K9 glass and improve the machining quality, a new arithmetical force model and parameter optimization for grinding the K9 glass are introduced in this study. Originally, the grinding force components and the grinding path were analyzed according to the critical depth of plowing, rubbing, and brittle tear. Thereafter, the arithmetical model of grinding force was established based on the geometrical model of a single abrasive grain, taking into account the random distribution of grinding grains, and this fact was considered when establishing the number of active grains participating in cutting N(d-Tot). It should be noted that the tool diameter changed with machining, therefore this change was taking into account when building the arithmetical force model during processing as well as the variable value of the maximum chip thickness a(max) accordingly. Besides, the force analysis recommends how to control the processing parameters to achieve high surface and subsurface quality. Finally, the force model was evaluated by comparing theoretical results with experimental ones. The experimental values of surface grinding forces are in good conformity with the predicted results with changes in the grinding parameters, which proves that the mathematical model is reliable.