Super-abrasive machining tool and method of use

Abstract

The super-abrasive machining tool utilizes both a means for grinding a workpiece and a means for revolving the workpiece in order to efficiently and cost effectively remove material from a workpiece comprising superalloy materials or even ceramic material. The means for grinding revolves at a much greater velocity than the revolving workpiece to facilitate the removal of material from the workpiece. The workpiece may be ground to remove material in order to reduce its diameter or size, to machine features into its surface and/or to impart non-continuous features into its surface.

1 . A super-abrasive machining apparatus, comprising: 
 means for grinding comprising an exterior surface including a super abrasive material coating, a first cylindrical section and a second cylindrical section, wherein said first cylindrical section comprises a first diameter less than a second diameter of said second cylindrical section, wherein said means for grinding revolves at a first velocity in a first direction;    means for cooling said means for grinding; and    means for revolving a workpiece comprising a mount, wherein said means for revolving revolves in a second direction at a second velocity less than said first velocity.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said means for grinding comprises a grinding tool.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said grinding tool comprises a contoured exterior.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said grinding tool is selected from the group consisting of a wheel, a quill and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing grinding tools.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said grinding tool is positioned at an angle to said workpiece.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said workpiece being ground comprises a substantially circular shape.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said means for cooling is a cooling nozzle capable of dispensing a cooling fluid.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first direction is clockwise or counter-clockwise, and said second direction is equivalent to or opposite said first direction.  
   
   
       9 . A method for super-abrasively grinding a workpiece, comprising: 
 disposing a workpiece in contact with a super-abrasive machining apparatus, wherein said super-abrasive machining apparatus comprises means for grinding including a first cylindrical section having a first diameter and a second cylindrical section having a second diameter, said first diameter less than said second diameter, and means for cooling said workpiece;    rotating said workpiece in a first direction and at a first velocity;    rotating said means for grinding in a second direction and at a second velocity greater than said first velocity;    grinding said workpiece using said means for grinding;    imparting a non-continuous feature to a surface of said workpiece being ground; and    cooling said workpiece being ground.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising shaping said workpiece by grinding approximate to a circumference of said part.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said first direction is clockwise or counter-clockwise, and said second direction is equivalent to or opposite said first direction.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said first velocity is about 200 to 2000 surface feet per minute.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said second velocity is about 500 to 120,000 surface feet per minute.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said means for cooling is a cooling nozzle capable of dispensing a cooling fluid.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said workpiece comprises a substantially circular shape.  
   
   
       16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said means for grinding comprises a grinding tool making contact at an angle at a point on a surface of said workpiece being ground.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said means for grinding comprises a grinding tool making contact circumferentially at a point on a surface of said workpiece being ground.  
   
   
       19 . (canceled)