The small components are cut from larger wafers of material using systems that have constant feed speeds. However performance of the dicing blades degrades over time due to the deterioration of their surface conditions, i.e., dislodgment or dullness of abrasive grains, deformations and abrasion of the matrix material. This alters the grindability or cutting performance of the blades. A better understanding of the mechanisms governing grindability could be applied to producing better components machined from very hard materials.
A team of Japanese researchers, Takuya Adachi, Koji Matsumaru and Kozo Ishizaki, from Nagaoka University of Technology have developed a constant feeding-force system, which enables the grindability of a grinding wheel to be analysed. Under constant feeding-force system, the feeding speed alters during processing, which depends on the surface conditions of a grinding wheel, and indicates its grindability.
In this study, the theoretical grindability of dicing blades was estimated by establishing a new model for feeding speeds under constant feeding-force dicing systems. The model was evaluated by comparing empirical and theoretical dicing speeds for different abrasive grain sizes. The researchers were able to conclude that the grindability of dicing blades depends on the abrasive grains size, number and distribution on the surface of the dicing blade.
The AZojomo* article is available to view at
http://www.azom.com/Details.asp?ArticleID=3454
*AZojomo publishes high quality articles and papers on all aspects of materials science and related technologies. All the contributions are reviewed by a world class panel of editors who are experts in a wide spectrum of materials science. [See http://www.azom.com/Journal%20Editorial%20Board.asp]
AZojomo is based on the patented OARS (Open Access Rewards System) publishing protocol. The OARS protocol represents a unique development in the field of scientific publishing – the distribution of online scientific journal revenue between the authors, peer reviewers and site operators with no publication charges, just totally free to access high quality, peer reviewed materials science. [See http://www.azom.com/azojomo.asp and http://www.azom.com/oars.asp]