Influence of structuring by abrasive machining on the tribological properties of workpiece surfaces

Surface structuring of workpieces has a significant influence on the tribological properties of contact partners and can therefore lead to a significant increase of the life time of components [1]. To identify an appropriate surface structure, analytical and experimental investigations were done at the Institute for Machine Tools and Factory Management (IWF) in order to improve the tribological properties in the contact area appreciably. To validate the theoretical analyses, technological investigations were carried out. 3D-surface structures were created on workpiece surfaces by varying process variables for a high speed 5-axes machine system to generate knowledge for developing defined surface structures by using kinematically modified grinding processes. Initial results show a positive influence of defined surface structures on the performance of contact partners.