9 – Electrolytic In-process Dressing (ELID) Grinding and Polishing

This chapter reviews abrasive processes, which are assisted by the electrolytic in-process dressing (ELID) technique. This in situ dressing method is used for metal-bond wheels and it is relatively new. The success and wide application of the ELID principles to ceramic grinding are explained in the chapter. Fourteen applications of the ELID principle to modern abrasive processes are documented to illustrate the scope of application. ELID grinding provides the ability to produce extremely fine finishes on brittle material surfaces, with surface roughness on the nanometer scale, and it is more stable than conventional grinding, allowing high removal rates over a longer period. Cast-iron bond wheels utilization result in both a larger stock removal rate and a lower grinding force than vitrified bond grinding wheels. The final surface roughness is enhanced by the burnishing action of the worn grits.