In-Process Measurement of ELID Grinding Status -Thickness of Insulating layer-

To successfully establish the ELID-grinding, it is important to properly select the electrolytic condition according to grinding conditions. Currently, the selection of electrolytic condition is mainly dependent on the operators experience, which is one of difficulties preventing the successful application of ELID technique. In this study, an in-process measurement system of the insulating layer using two gap sensors-a capacitance type and an eddy current type-are developed and the change of the thickness of insulating layer during ELID grinding is detected. Evaluation experiments show the possibility to control the electrolytic condition through the in-process measurement of the layer status.