In this paper, a new touch sensor which can detect the contact point of grinding wheel with the workpiece at the beginning of grinding process, is developed on the basis of the spouting phenomenon of grinding fluid from the grinding wheel surface during the wheel approach. Main conclusions obtained are as follows : (1) The developed touch sensor is a thermal sensor which detects electric resistance changes of nichrome thin film incorporated in a bridge circuit. (2) With the touch sensor the wheel approach can be detected at 42.9μm before the contact point in this experimental conditions of plunge speed V_(p)=2μm/s and grinding fluid flow rate Q=15L/min. (3) It is made clear that the unique phenomenon, in which the spouting volume of grinding fluid from the grinding wheel surface increases, occurs as the wheel approaches towards the contact point.
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