A new approach to lapping precision ceramic bearing balls

A method for lapping precision ceramic bearing balls based on End Plane Grinding Lapping (EPGL) mode is put forward in this paper, which make it possible to use solid abrasives easily. The kinetic analysis and simulation of EPGL mode is made, and an experiment device is built up. Some primary experiments are carried out in order to investigate the influences of process parameters on the removal rate in processing ceramic bearing balls. It is found from kinetic analysis and the simulation that the spin angle is changing continually during the process, as is benefit to the sphere generation and, the uniformity of lapping trace be acquired by means of EPGL. The results of experiments are discussed and analyzed, it indicates that the rotation speed of the plate and load have great effects on the removal rate of ceramic ball. Compared with the traditional V-grooves lapping mode, lapping with EPGL mode is of high quality and much more efficient.