Variation of surface integrity of cylindrical rollers under grinding and superfinishing processes

Purpose The aim of this study is to first investigate the surface integrity of cylindrical rollers under grinding process and then design a reasonable superfinishing process that improve the anti-fatigue performance of cylindrical rollers by optimization of the surface integrity. Design/methodology/approach First, the white and dark layers produced by the grinding process is analyzed by microscope. Then, the influence of oilstone pressure on the stock removal, surface precision and crowned profile are explored. Finally, an optimal superfinishing process and a novel turnaround device are designed to improve surface integrity. Findings The experimental results show that as the oilstone pressure increases, the stock removal first increases and then remains stable. This hints that the stock removal of a single-time superfinishing process has an upper limit. In the current conditions, the maximum stock removal is 6 µm. Double-time superfinishing process and the turnover device can effectively eliminate the white and dark layers and improve the symmetric of roller profile. In addition, the surface precision is also improved. Originality/value The surface integrity of bearing rollers is very important to the application of industry field. The findings and the methods in the study can be helpful to improve the surface integrity of the bearing rollers.