Abstract: A method of dressing for a conductive grindstone, a dressing system for this method and a dressing electrode used in this method. According to the preferred embodiment, this method comprises reciprocating a dressing electrode, which is formed of a metal having large chemical affinity with the super abrasive grains of the grindstone, in a direction being vertical to the moving direction of the grindstone, while the electrode is brought into contact with the ground surface of the grindstone with a predetermined pressure and applying a voltage between the electrode and the grindstone so as to provide a positive pole on the grindstone, while a conductive processing fluid is flown on the portion of the electrode contacting with the grindstone. Therefore, electrochemical action, chemical action, mechanical operation and electro-discharge operation are cooperated in a dressing process.

Abstract: A method is provided for effectively and precisely cutting metals, ceramics, composite materials and the like by use of a blade having an elongated metal band body and a conductive abrasive layer adhered to a cutting edge thereof, with a first voltage difference selectively applied continuously or intermittently between the blade and an electrode disposed close to a side of the blade. A conductive processing fluid is supplied to a cutting portion between the blade and the workpiece and the first applied voltage is preferably applied to provide a negative pole on the blade side and a positive pole on the workpiece. Electrolytic, electro-discharge and grinding operations are thus provided simultaneously, to thereby permit rapid and precise cutting of hard, bittle and difficult-to-cut materials while maintaining the cutting effectiveness of the blade. In one aspect of this method, the blade is also provided with an insulation layer on at least a metal surface, and the cutting effects are thereby improved.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for effectively and precisely cutting metals, ceramics, composite materials and the like by use of a blade having an elongated metal band body and a conductive abrasive layer adhered to a cutting edge thereof, with an electrode disposed close to a side of the blade and a voltage difference is selectively applied continuously or intermittently between the electrode and the blade which is pressed against and reciprocated relative to the workpiece. A conductive processing fluid is supplied to a cutting portion between the blade and the workpiece and the processing voltage is continuously or intermittently applied to preferably provide a minus pole on the blade side and a plus pole on the work side. Electrolytic, electro-discharge and grinding operations are thus provided simultaneously, to thereby permit rapid and precise cutting of metals and other hard, brittle and difficult-to-cut materials whila maintaining the cutting effectiveness of the blade.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for machining a workpiece by use of a conductive grindstone, and for dressing the grindstone simultaneously with the machining process.

Abstract: A grinding wheel having a circumferential rim and a plurality of electrically conductive zones and non-grinding zones therebetween the rim. A method of using such a grindstone as disclosed. Further, certain alternative methods of making such a grindstone are disclosed.

Abstract: A grinding wheel having a circumferential rim and a plurality of electrically conductive zone and non-grinding zones therebetween the rim. A method of using such a grindstone as disclosed. Further, certain alternative methods of making such a grindstone are disclosed.

Abstract: The electrolytic/electric discharge machining of a workpiece of a non-conductive hard material, for example, ceramic material is carried out by preparing a grinding wheel having conductive regions and non-conductive abrasive regions circumferentially alternately arranged on the circumferential edge of the wheel, and bringing the rotating grinding wheel in contact with the workpiece while applying AC or DC voltage across the grinding wheel and the non-conductive workpiece.