A method and new parameters for assessing the active surface topography of diamond abrasive films

This paper describes the methodology and results of research on the tribological characteristics of the surfaces of diamond abrasive films using a stereometric analysis. Abrasive films are used in various finishing processes of surfaces with very high smoothness and accuracy. A morphological analysis of surface vertexes in the plane that is parallel to the film surface and the perpendicular direction allowed an assessment of the distances between particles by means of a decomposition of the surface into Voronoi cells. When studying the formation of the aggregates of diamond particles and the spaces between them, one may infer about the machining potential of the abrasive film and determine the recommended kinematic conditions of the film that ensures the maximum use of this potential. Owing to the investigations related to the morphology of diamond abrasive films, one can observe relevant characteristic abrasive aggregates that vary in term of size and shape depending on particle sizes. Units with elongated shapes have a superior machining ability in relation to spherical-shaped units. One of significant parameters proposed that describe the technological potential of abrasive films is the edge length to width ratio of diamond units. Different operating modes are discussed. A statistical analysis of the dynamics observed of abrasive interfaces allowed a pertinent description of the abrasive process taking into consideration nominal and apparent as well as abrasively efficient morphologies.