Abstract: Based on the assumption that the shape of conical abrasive with circular edge angles and the protrusion height follow Rayleigh distribution， a mathematical model of undeformed cutting thickness of a single abrasive was established. According to three different sources of the micro-grinding force， a single abrasive was taken as the research object， and a theoretical model of cutting deformation force， plough force and friction force of single abrasive during the grinding process was established. A theoretical model of micro-grinding force was established by combining the number of abrasive per unit area. The verification results of tangential grinding force and normal grinding force prediction models showed that the average error between theoretical and experimental values of tangential grinding force is 7.32%， and the maximum error is less than 10%. The average error of normal grinding force is 8.18%， and the maximum error is less than 20%.

Key words: zirconia ceramic, micro-scale grinding, grinding force, prediction of grinding force, theoretical model of grinding force