Wear evolution of electroplated diamond abrasive belt and corresponding surface integrity of Inconel 718 during grinding

Serious wear can easily occur in traditional abrasive belts during grinding nickel-based superalloy components. To find an abrasive belt with excellent wear resistance and surface finishing, this study uses electroplated diamond abrasive belt (EDAB) to grind Inconel718, and investigates its wear evolution and corresponding grinding surface integrity. It was revealed that EDAB showed stable grinding performance, and the wear mechanism in initial, steady, and final wear stage was primarily micro cleavage fracture, macro cleavage fracture and adhesive wear, respectively. As EDAB wore, ground surface roughness gradually decreased and reached a minimum of Ra 0.5 μm, and subsurface crystalline grains of Inconel718 were refined. Furthermore, the abrasive belt wear was significantly reduced and the surface integrity was improved using low-hardness contact wheels. • Electroplated diamond abrasive belt is used to grind Inconel718. • Electroplated diamond abrasive belt shows excellent wear resistance. • Surface integrity of Inconel718 is improved as abrasive belt wear increases. • Low-hardness contact wheel significantly reduces adhesive belt wear.