Using a diamond dressing roll

It has been observed that performance of a roller type diamond dresser can be enhanced by a methodical reversing of the dressing roll after a pre-determined number of dressings.

When the dressing role is used, abrasives particles are getting exposed on one side (the other side remains in shadow). As soon as this side gets dulled, the performance deteriorates. By conducting this experiment we could get a much better output by reversing the roll. The unused side after reversing, gave an efficient dressing before the abrasives (diamond/CBN particles) were finally dislodged exposing new abrasive particles. This works well for a disc type roller. Reversing is easy. Depending on the thickness of the layer of the PCD/CBN material, more than one reversing may have to be carried out.

For a form type of dressing roller (as shown in the photo), symmetry is necessary. In one case the design of a form type dresser had to be changed to make it symmetrical around the mounting flange.

Same theory holds good for a CBN/PCD honing tool (extensively used for example in barrel bore honing of cylinder blocks/engine blocks). Reversing cycles are now available.

For use in the reverse direction, roller dresser will have to be dismantled from the shaft and “B” side will have to be placed towards the spindle! A form type roller dresser will therefore have to be symmetrical.

Try this and see if you get enhanced output from a diamond dressing roller.

By Surendra Datar
Tata Motors Limited
Pune