Optimization of micro milling electrical discharge machining of Inconel 718 by Grey-Taguchi method

The optimization of micro milling electrical discharge machining（EDM） process parameters of Inconel 718 alloy to achieve multiple performance characteristics such as low electrode wear,high material removal rate and low working gap was investigated by the Grey-Taguchi method.The influences of peak current,pulse on-time,pulse off-time and spark gap on electrode wear（EW）,material removal rate（MRR） and working gap（WG） in the micro milling electrical discharge machining of Inconel 718 were analyzed.The experimental results show that the electrode wear decreases from 5.6×10-9 to 5.2×10-9 mm3/min,the material removal rate increases from 0.47×10-8 to 1.68×10-8 mm3/min,and the working gap decreases from 1.27 to 1.19 μm under optimal micro milling electrical discharge machining process parameters.Hence,it is clearly shown that multiple performance characteristics can be improved by using the Grey-Taguchi method.

Research on a Diamond Tip Wear Mechanism in Atomic Force Microscope-based Micro/nano-machining

The object is to investigate the wear of an atomic force microscope (AFM) diamond tip when conducting micro/nano machining on single crystal silicon surface. The experimental research and theoretical analysis were carried out on the worn tip in terms of wear rate, wear mechanism and the effect of the tip wear on micro machining process. The wear rate was calculated as 1.7(10～10mm 3/(N·m) by using a theoretical model combined with the experimental results. Through an integration of an AFM observation on the worn tip features with the FEM simulation of the stress distribution, in addition to the unit cutting force calculation on the AFM diamond tip, the wear mechanism of the AFM diamond tip was concluded as mainly chemical wear, and the wear process was also elaborated as well.

Comparative study on discharge conditions in micro-hole electrical discharge machining of tungsten carbide (WC-Co) material

WC-Co is used widely in die and mold industries due to its unique combination of hardness, strength and wear-resistance. For machining difficult-to-cut materials, such as tungsten carbide, micro-electrical discharge machining(EDM) is one of the most effective methods for making holes because the hardness is not a dominant parameter in EDM. This paper describes the characteristics of the discharge conditions for micro-hole EDM of tungsten carbide with a WC grain size of 0.5 μm and Co content of 12%. The EDM process was conducted by varying the condenser and resistance values. A R-C discharge EDM device using arc erosion for micro-hole machining was suggested. Furthermore, the characteristics of the developed micro-EDM were analyzed in terms of the electro-optical observation using an oscilloscope and field emission scanning electron microscope.

Characteristics of damaged layer in micro-machining of copper material

The study on damaged layer is necessary for improving the machinability in micro-machining because the damaged layer affects the micro mold life and micro machine parts. This study examined the ultra-precision micro-machining characteristics, such as cutting speed, feed rate and cutting depth, of a micro-damaged layer produced by an ultra-high speed air turbine spindle. The micro cutting force, surface roughness and plastic deformation layer were investigated according to the machining conditions. The damaged layer was measured using optical microscope on samples prepared through metallographic techniques. The scale of the damaged layer depends on the cutting process parameters, particularly, the feed per tooth and axial depth of the cut. According to the experimental results, the depth of the damaged layer is increased by increasing the feed per tooth and cutting depth, also the damaged layer occurs less in down-milling compared with up-milling during the micro-machining operation.

Quaternion-Based Kalman Filter for Micro-machined Strapdown Attitude Heading Reference System

A Kalman filter used in strapdown AHRS (Attitude Heading Reference System) based on micro machined inertial sensors is introduced. The composition and principle of the system are described. The attitude algorithm and error model of the system are derived based on the quaternion formulation. The real time quaternion based Kalman filter is designed. Simulation results show that accuracy of the system is better than 0.04 degree without disturbance of lateral acceleration and reduced to 0.44 degree with l...

Micro Electrical Discharge Machining Deposition in Air for Fabrication of Micro Spiral Structures

Micro electrical discharge machining（EDM） deposition process is a new micro machining method for fabrication of metal micro structures. In this process, the high level of tool electrode wear is used to achieve the metal material deposition. Up to now, the studies of micro EDM deposition process focused mainly on the researches of deposition process, namely the effects of discharge parameters in deposition process on the deposition rate or deposition quality. The research of the formation of micro structures with different discharge energy density still lacks. With proper conditions and only by the z-axis feeding in vertical direction, a novel shape of micro spiral structure can be deposited, with 0.11 mm in wire diameter, 0.20 mm in outside diameter, and 3.78 mm in height. Then some new deposition strategies including angular deposition and against the gravity deposition were also successful. In order to find the forming mechanism of the spiral structures, the numerical simulation of the transient temperature distribution on the discharge point was conducted by using the finite-element method（FEM）. The results show that there are two major factors lead to the forming of the spiral structures. One is the different material removal form of tool electrode according with the discharge energy density, the other is the influenced degree of the movement of the removed material particles in the discharge gap. The more the energy density in single discharge is, the smaller the mass of the removed material particles is, and the easier the movements of which will be changed to form an order tendency. The fine texture characteristics of the deposited micro spiral structures were analyzed by the energy spectrum analysis and the metallographic analysis. It shows that the components of the deposited material are almost the same as those of the tool electrode. Moreover the deposited material has the brass metallic luster in the longitudinal profile and has compact bonding with the base material. This research is useful to understand the micro-process of micro EDM deposition better and helpful to increase the controllability of the new EDM method for fabrication of micro structures.

Experimental Research on Effects of Process Parameters on Servo Scanning 3D Micro Electrical Discharge Machining

Servo scanning 3D micro electrical discharge machining (3D SSMEDM) is a novel and effective method in fabricating complex 3D micro structures with high aspect ratio on conducting materials. In 3D SSMEDM process, the axial wear of tool electrode can be compensated automatically by servo-keeping discharge gap, instead of the traditional methods that depend on experiential models or intermittent compensation. However, the effects of process parameters on 3D SSMEDM have not been reported up until now. In this study, the emphasis is laid on the effects of pulse duration, peak current, machining polarity, track style, track overlap, and scanning velocity on the 3D SSMEDM performances of machining efficiency, processing status, and surface accuracy. A series of experiments were carried out by machining a micro-rectangle cavity (900 μm×600 μm) on doped silicon. The experimental results were obtained as follows. Peak current plays a main role in machining efficiency and surface accuracy. Pulse duration affects obviously the stability of discharge state. The material removal rate of cathode processing is about 3/5 of that of anode processing. Compared with direction-parallel path, contour-parallel path is better in counteracting the lateral wear of tool electrode end. Scanning velocity should be selected moderately to avoid electric arc and short. Track overlap should be slightly less than the radius of tool electrode. In addition, a typical 3D micro structure of eye shape was machined based on the optimized process parameters. These results are beneficial to improve machining stability, accuracy, and efficiency in 3D SSMEDM.

Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Micro Post Array on Aluminum Substrates Using Mask Electrochemical Machining

Surfaces with controllable micro structures are significant in fundamental development of superhydrophobicity. However,preparation of superhydrophobic surfaces with array structures on metal substrates is not effective using existing methods. A new method was presented to fabricate super-hydrophobic post arrays on aluminum(Al) substrates using mask electrochemical machining and fluoridation. Electrochemical etching was first applied on Al plates with pre-prepared photoresist arrays to make the post array structures. Surface modification was subsequently applied to reduce the surface energy, followed by interaction with water to realize superhydrophobicity. Simulation and experimental verification were conducted to investigate how machining parameters affect the array structures. Analysis of the water contact angle was implemented to explore the relationship between wettability and micro structures.The results indicate that superhydrophobic surfaces with controllable post structures can be fabricated through this proposed method, producing surfaces with high water static contact angles.

Micro Model of Carbon Fiber/Cyanate Ester Composites and Analysis of Machining Damage Mechanism

Machining damage occurs on the surface of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites during processing. In the current simulation model of CFRP, the initial defects on the carbon fiber and the periodic random distribution of the reinforcement phase in the matrix are not considered in detail, which makes the characteristics of the cutting model significantly different from the actual processing conditions. In this paper, a novel three-phase model of carbon fiber/cyanate ester composites is proposed to simulate the machining damage of the composites. The periodic random distribution of the carbon fiber reinforced phase in the matrix was realized using a double perturbation algorithm. To achieve the stochastic distribution of the strength of a single carbon fiber, a novel method that combines the Weibull intensity distribution theory with the Monte Carlo method is presented. The mechanical properties of the cyanate matrix were characterized by fitting the stress-strain curves, and the cohesive zone model was employed to simulate the interface. Based on the model, the machining damage mechanism of the composites was revealed using finite element simulations and by conducting a theoretical analysis. Furthermore, the milling surfaces of the composites were observed using a scanning electron microscope, to verify the accuracy of the simulation results. In this study, the simulations and theoretical analysis of the carbon fiber/cyanate ester composite processing were carried out based on a novel three-phase model, which revealed the material failure and machining damage mechanism more accurately.

Micro electrical discharge machining of small hole in TC4 alloy

Aiming at machining deeply small holes in TC4 alloy,a series of experiments were carried out on a self-developed multi-axis micro electrical discharge machining(micro-EDM)machine tool.To improve machining efficiency and decrease relative wear of electrode in machining deeply small hole in TC4 alloy,many factors in micro-EDM,such as polarity,electrical parameters and supplying ways of working fluid were studied.Experimental results show that positive polarity machining is far superior to negative polarity machining;it is more optimal when open-circuit voltage,pulse width and pulse interval are 130 V,5μs and 15μs respectively on the self developed multi-axis micro-EDM machine tool;when flushing method is applied in micro-EDM,the machining efficiency is higher and relative wear of electrode is smaller.

Scale Effects and a Method for Similarity Evaluation in Micro Electrical Discharge Machining

Electrical discharge machining（EDM） is a promising non-traditional micro machining technology that offers a vast array of applications in the manufacturing industry. However, scale effects occur when machining at the micro-scale, which can make it difficult to predict and optimize the machining performances of micro EDM. A new concept of ＂scale effects＂ in micro EDM is proposed, the scale effects can reveal the difference in machining performances between micro EDM and conventional macro EDM. Similarity theory is presented to evaluate the scale effects in micro EDM. Single factor experiments are conducted and the experimental results are analyzed by discussing the similarity difference and similarity precision. The results show that the output results of scale effects in micro EDM do not change linearly with discharge parameters. The values of similarity precision of machining time significantly increase when scaling-down the capacitance or open-circuit voltage. It is indicated that the lower the scale of the discharge parameter, the greater the deviation of non-geometrical similarity degree over geometrical similarity degree, which means that the micro EDM system with lower discharge energy experiences more scale effects. The largest similarity difference is 5.34 while the largest similarity precision can be as high as 114.03. It is suggested that the similarity precision is more effective in reflecting the scale effects and their fluctuation than similarity difference. Consequently, similarity theory is suitable for evaluating the scale effects in micro EDM. This proposed research offers engineering values for optimizing the machining parameters and improving the machining performances of micro EDM.

A review on the erosion mechanisms in abrasive waterjet micromachining of brittle materials

The fabrication of miniature structures on components with high-integrity surface quality represents one of the cutting edge technologies in the 21st century.The materials used to construct such small structures are often difficult-to-machine.Many other readily available technologies either cannot realise necessary precision or are costly.Abrasive waterjet(AWJ)is a favourable technology for the machining of difficult-to-machine materials.However,this technology is generally aimed at large stock removal.A reduction in the scale of this technology is an attractive avenue for meeting the pressing need of industry in the production of damage-free micro features.This paper reviews some of the work that has been undertaken at UNSW Sydney about the development of such an AWJ technology,focusing on the system design currently employed to generate a micro abrasive jet,the erosion mechanisms associated with processing some typical brittle materials of both single-and two-phased.Processing models based on the findings are also presented.The review concludes on the viability of the technology and the prevailing trend in its development.

RESEARCH OF MICRO ELECTRO DISCHARGE MACHINING EQUIPMENT AND PROCESS TECHNIQUES

Micro electro discharge machining (micro EDM) is a feasible way tomanufacture micro structures and has potential application in advanced industrial fields. For therealization of micro EDM, it is necessary to pay careful attention to its equipment design and thedevelopment of process techniques. The present status of research and development of micro EDMequipment and process techniques is overviewed. A micro electro discharge machine incorporated withan inchworm type of micro feed mechanism is introduced, and a micro electro discharge machine fordrilling micro holes suitable to industrial use is also introduced. Some of the machiningexperiments carried out on the micro EDM prototypes are shown and the feasibility of the micro EDMtechnology to practical use is discussed.

Material properties and machining performance of hybrid Ti_2AlN bulk material for micro electrical discharge machining

Mn+1AXn(MAX) phases are a family of nanolaminated compounds that possess unique combination of typical ceramic properties and typical metallic properties.As a member of MAX phase,Ti2 AlN bulk materials are attractive for some high-temperature applications.The synthesis,characteristics and machining performance of hybrid Ti2 AlN bulk materials were focused on in this work.The bulk samples mainly consisting of Ti2 AlN MAX phase with density close to theoretic one were synthesized by a spark plasma sintering method.Scanning electron microscopy results indicate homogenous distribution of Ti2 AlN grains in the samples.Micro-hardness values are almost constant under different loads (6-6.5 GPa).A machining test was carried out to compare the effect of material properties on micro-electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM) performance for Ti2 AlN bulk samples and Ti6242 alloy.The machining performance of the Ti2 AlN sample is better than that of the Ti6242 alloy.The inherent mechanism was discussed by considering their electrical and thermal conductivity.

Development of micro wire electrical discharge machining platform and its application

A machining platform of micro wire electrical discharge machining (MWEDM) was developed. The key technology of MWEDM mainly includes granite basement, micro energy pulse generator, detection and servo control system, constant tension winding system and V-block guide wire mechanism. Utilizing micro wire electrode with 30μm in diameter, the MWEDM can machine the micro slot with the minimum size of 38μm wide, and the surface roughness is smaller than 0.1μm, the machining precision is less than 0.5μm, the white layer is no more than 2μm with main cut. All kinds of complex micro parts, such as micro gear, micro bearing bracket and micro shaped holes, can also be machined by using this platform.

Influence of Laser-Induced Bubble Formation on Laser Chemical Machining

Laser Chemical Machining (LCM) is a non-conventional processing method, which enables very accurate and precise ablation of metallic surfaces. Material ablation results from laser-induced thermal activation of heterogeneous chemical reactions between electrolytes and a metallic surface. However, when processing metallic surfaces with LCM, large fluctuations in ablation quality can occur due to rising bubbles. The for-mation of bubbles during laser chemical machining and their influence on the ablation quality has not been investigated. For a more detailed investigation of the bubbles, ablation experiments on Titanium and Ce-ramic under different thermal process conditions were performed. The experiments were recorded by a high-speed camera. The evaluation of the video sequences was performed using Matlab. The resulting bubbles were analyzed regarding their size and frequency. The results show that boil-ing bubbles formed on both materials during processing. Titanium also produces smaller bubbles, which can be identified as process bubbles ac-cording to their size. Furthermore, it was found that undisturbed laser chemical ablation can be achieved in the presence of a boiling process, since both boiling bubbles and process bubbles were detected during machining within the process window.

Research and test of the adaptive quadrature demodulation technology for silicon micro-machined gyroscope

A program of adaptive quadrature demodulation is proposed to supply the gaps in the traditional analog detection technology of a silicon micro-machined gyroscope (SMG). This program is suitable for digital phase locked loop (DPLL) drive technology that proposed in other papers. In addition the program adopts an adaptive filtering algorithm, which selects the in-phase and quadrature components that are outputs of the DPLL of the SMG's drive mode as reference signals to update the amplitude of the in-phase and quadrature components of the input signal by iteratively. An objective of the program is to minimize the mean square error of the accurate amplitudes and the estimated amplitudes of SMG's detection mode. The simulation and test results prove the feasibility of the program that lays the foundation for the further improvement of the SMG's system performance and the implementation of the SMG system's self-calibration and self-demarcation in future.

A Study of Structure, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Free Machining Al-Zn-Sn-Bi Alloys Rapidly Solidified from Molten State

The objective of our study is to investigate the effect of rapid solidification technology using melt spun process from melt on environmentally free machining Al-0.1Zn alloys with tin-bismuth as free machining constituents. The main purpose of rapid solidification from melt is to have a high strength and thermal stability. Structural and thermal properties have been investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. Tensile test machine is used to study the mechanical properties such as ultimate tensile strength, elastic constants, yield strength and critical shear stress for free machining alloys. We find?the best free machining aluminum alloy that has excellent machinability qualities is Al-0.1Zn-0.5Sn-0.54Bi melt spun alloy because it offers excellent mechanical properties. The highest values of tensile strength (431.5 MPa), yield strength (393.9 MPa), fracture strength (431.6 Mpa), toughness (15.8 × 106?J/m3) generated from Al-0.1Zn-0.5Sn-0.54Bi alloy to meet the needs of free machining aluminum alloy applications.

Mesoplasticity Approach to Studies of the Cutting Mechanism in Ultra-precision Machining

There have been various theoretical attempts by researchers worldwide to link up different scales of plasticity studies from the nano-, micro- and macro-scale of observation, based on molecular dynamics, crystal plasticity and continuum mechanics. Very few attempts, however, have been reported in ultra-precision machining studies. A mesoplasticity approach advocated by Lee and Yang is adopted by the authors and is successfully applied to studies of the micro-cutting mechanisms in ultra-precision machining. Traditionally, the shear angle in metal cutting, as well as the cutting force variation, can only be determined from cutting tests. In the pioneering work of the authors, the use of mesoplasticity theory enables prediction of the fluctuation of the shear angle and micro-cutting force, shear band formation, chip morphology in diamond turning and size effect in nano-indentation. These findings are verified by experiments. The mesoplasticity formulation opens up a new direction of studies to enable how the plastic behaviour of materials and their constitutive representations in deformation processing, such as machining can be predicted, assessed and deduced from the basic properties of the materials measurable at the microscale.

Research on A Master - slave Multi - microcomputers Control System for Hollow Spindle Fancy Yarn Spinning Machine

In this paper, a successfully studied and developed master - slave muld - microcomputers control system based on PC - BUS for hollow spindle fancy yarn spinning machine, mainly Its overall scheme, software and hardware construction, is introduced. Spinning experiments show that the system achieves satisfactory result. This system can solve the diftkultles of mechatronical fusion between domestic hollow splndk fancy yarn spuming muchine and its microcomputer control technology.