Study of machining performance for electrochemical grinding of difficult-to-cut alloy U71Mn

PurposeThis study aims to apply an electrochemical grinding (ECG) technology to improve the material removal rate (MRR) under the premise of certain surface roughness in machining U71Mn alloy.Design/methodology/approachThe effects of machining parameters (electrolyte type, grinding wheel granularity, applied voltage, grinding wheel speed and machining time) on the MRR and surface roughness are investigated with experiments.FindingsThe experiment results show that an electroplated diamond grinding wheel of 46# and 15 Wt.% NaNO3 + 10 Wt.% NaCl electrolyte is more suitable to be applied in U71Mn ECG. And the MRR and surface roughness are affected by machining parameters such as applied voltage, grinding wheel speed and machining time. In addition, the maximum MRR of 0.194 g/min is obtained with the 15 Wt.% NaCl electrolyte, 17 V applied voltage, 1,500 rpm grinding wheel speed and 60 s machining time. The minimum surface roughness of Ra 0.312 mu m is obtained by the 15 Wt.% NaNO3 + 10 Wt.% NaCl electrolyte, 13 V applied voltage, 2,000 rpm grinding wheel speed and 60 s machining time.Originality/valueUnder the electrolyte scouring effect, the products and the heat generated in the machining can be better discharged. ECG has the potential to improve MRR and reduce surface roughness in machining U71Mn.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2023-0341/