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Grinding Burn in Gear Manufacturing—Mechanisms, Detection, and Prevention

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Grinding Burn in Gear Manufacturing—Mechanisms, Detection, and Prevention

Grinding Burn in Gear Manufacturing—Mechanisms, Detection, and Prevention

Gears are core components of mechanical transmission systems, and their manufacturing quality directly affects the performance and service life of the entire equipment. Grinding is a crucial precision machining process for gears, yet grinding burn is a common quality issue during this stage. Grinding burn not only impairs the surface integrity of gears but also significantly reduces their fatigue strength and service life. This article elaborates on the mechanisms, detection methods, and prevention measures of gear grinding burn.

1. Mechanisms of Gear Grinding Burn

1.1 Definition of Grinding Burn

Grinding burn refers to the phenomenon where the surface material of the workpiece undergoes structural transformation or oxidative discoloration due to excessively high local temperatures during the grinding process. For gears, burn typically occurs in grinding contact areas such as tooth surfaces and tooth roots.

1.2 Causes of Grinding Burn Formation

  • Heat Source Mechanism: Approximately 60-95% of the energy generated during the grinding process is converted into heat.
  • Temperature Distribution: The instantaneous temperature can reach 1000-1500°C, but the duration of this high temperature is extremely short (0.1-1ms).
  • Phase Transformation Process: Gear steels (e.g., 20CrMnTi) undergo austenitization at high temperatures. Subsequently, depending on the cooling rate, microstructures such as martensite, bainite, or tempered structures may form.

1.3 Classification of Grinding Burn

Burn Type Characteristics Impact on Performance
Oxidative Burn A blue or yellow oxide film forms on the surface Reduces surface roughness and affects lubrication
Temper Burn The surface layer structure undergoes temper softening Decreases hardness and wear resistance
Secondary Quench Burn Untempered martensite forms in the surface layer Increases brittleness and generates residual tensile stress

2. Detection Methods for Grinding Burn

2.1 Traditional Detection Methods

2.1.1 Visual Inspection

  • Principle: Observe changes in surface color (temper color).
  • Advantages: Simple, fast, and low-cost.
  • Limitations: Can only detect severe burn and is highly subjective.

2.1.2 Etching Method

  • Steps: First, clean the gear surface; then, apply a 2-2.5% nitric acid-alcohol solution; finally, observe surface color changes (burned areas darken).
  • Standard: Complies with GB/T 3481-2017 Gear Burn Detection Method.

2.1.3 Microhardness Testing

  • Method: Measure microhardness at different positions on the tooth surface.
  • Criterion: A hardness change exceeding ±10% of the base material hardness indicates burn.

2.2 Advanced Non-Destructive Testing Technologies

2.2.1 Barkhausen Noise Testing (MBN)

  • Principle: Utilize noise signals generated by the movement of magnetic domains in ferromagnetic materials.
  • Equipment Parameters: Frequency range: 1-1000kHz; Sensitivity: Capable of detecting burned layers as thin as 0.01mm.
  • Advantages: Fast, non-contact, and quantifiable.

2.2.2 Eddy Current Testing

  • Principle: Measure changes in electrical conductivity using electromagnetic induction.
  • Parameter Settings: Frequency: 50-500kHz; Probe type: Differential or absolute.
  • Applicability: Suitable for high-volume online testing.

2.2.3 Infrared Thermography

  • Technical Parameters: Thermal sensitivity: <20mK; Spatial resolution: 1mrad.
  • Operation Process: Conduct real-time monitoring during the grinding process and identify abnormal temperature rises through temperature field distribution.

2.2.4 X-Ray Diffraction Residual Stress Analysis

  • Principle: Calculate residual stress by measuring lattice strain.
  • Criterion: Surface tensile stress exceeding 300MPa may indicate burn.

2.3 Laboratory Analysis Methods

2.3.1 Metallographic Analysis

  • Sample Preparation Requirements: Sampling direction: Perpendicular to the grinding direction; Etchant: 4% nitric acid-alcohol.
  • Typical Structures: White layer (untempered martensite with hardness >800HV); Transition zone (tempered martensite); Base material (original structure).

2.3.2 Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Analysis

  • Observation Content: Surface morphology (e.g., remelting, cracks) and element distribution (oxidation degree analysis).

2.4 Burn Severity Grading and Disposal Recommendations

Grade Characteristics Disposal Recommendations
Grade 0 No burn Qualified
Grade 1 Slight oxidative color Acceptable
Grade 2 Obvious structural changes Process adjustment required
Grade 3 Severe burn Scrap

3. Prevention Measures for Grinding Burn

3.1 Optimization of Process Parameters

3.1.1 Grinding Wheel Selection

  • Abrasive: CBN (suitable for hardened steel).
  • Grain Size: 80-120#.
  • Hardness: K-M grade.

3.1.2 Cutting Parameters

  • Linear Speed: 20-35m/s.
  • Feed Rate: 0.005-0.02mm/stroke.

3.1.3 Cooling Fluid

  • Requirements: High pressure (>1MPa) and large flow rate (>50L/min).

3.2 Process Monitoring Technologies

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