Surfaces formation of precision ELID grinding rock minerals

In this study, several kinds of rock minerals with different chemical compositions were finely ground to study the characteristics of smooth stone surface formation. These rock minerals used in the grinding tests were the typical components for decorative stone materials. In order to get precision surfaces, the Electrolytic In-Process Dressing (ELID) grinding technology with different mesh size diamond wheels was applied in experiments. The changes of surface roughness of different rock minerals were measured during the grinding process. The finally ground rock specimens surfaces were analyzed with 3D surface texture analyzer. Based on the micro-observation of rock specimen surfaces, it was found that the rock minerals used in the tests could be finished to smooth surfaces with ELID grinding technology. The results also showed that rock minerals surfaces with different chemical compositions revealed different surface patterns during the grinding process.