Abstract Observation of fast processes in micro-volumes of grinned material is one of the fundamental problems of grinding research. In is desirable to develop an experimental method, which allows to stop process of plastic deformation in a “quasi-stationary state“. During grinding, abrasive grains are being fractured resulting in recreation of their cutting properties. The temperature in the zone where plastic deformation of chips occurs is the range of 800 - 1300°C. This makes grinned material more plastic. The intensity and area of plastic deformation depends greatly on the ratio between depth of cut a and radius of cutting edge rn. This ratio is changing with cutting conditions and type of workpiece material. In this paper we describe an experimental method and partial results from grinding experiments with carbon steel 12050.1 and bearing steel 14209.3. The paper contains unique photographs from these experiments obtained mainly using raster microscopy.