The basic problem of a technological grinding process is to achieve the required shape, size and surface roughness of the finished product in the most economical way.
To achieve this objective an adaptive control of the process is attempted, incorporating an optimization strategy which identifies the maximum allowable downfeed with satisfying required constraints and modifying the shape of grinding cycle to get final dimension and roughness.
Since on-line measurement of the machined dimensions is not an easy problem, the grinding force signal is utilized, instead, as a feedback signal for the online adaptive control.
This signal is fed to a microcomputer, which, in turn, controls the downfeed of the grinding wheel via stepping motor.