Abstract: In order to improve 16Cr3NiWMoVNbE steel's service permance, it is subjected to carbonitriding surface hardening treatment. In order to solve the problems of grinding burns and cracks in the carbonitriding layer of 16Cr3NiWMoVNbE steel, the grinding force test of white corundum grinding wheel was carried out. Firstly, the influence laws of three grinding factors (grinding speed, workpiece feed speed and grinding depth)on the grinding force were analyzed. Secondly, the influence laws of abrasive size, grinding wheel hardness and porosity of white corundum grinding wheel on the grinding force were analyzed. Finally, the influence laws of the three grinding factors on the surface topography of the workpiece were analyzed. The results show that the grinding force increases with the increase of grinding depth. The grinding force increases with the increase of the workpiece feed speed. With the increase of grinding wheel speed, grinding force decreases. With the increase of grinding grains, the grinding force decreases. In order to reduce the grinding force and improve the cutting performance of grinding wheel, white corundum grinding wheel is suitable for selection of J grade hardness and No. 4 microstructure. The surface topography of the workpiece can be improved by reducing the grinding depth, the workpiece feed speed and increasing the grinding wheel speed.