Analytical model to determine the critical feed per edge for ductile-brittle transition in milling process of brittle materials

Brittle materials like glass are considered difficult-to-machine because of their high tendency towards brittle fracture during machining. The technological challenge in machining such brittle materials is to achieve material removal by plastic deformation rather than characteristic brittle fracture. In ductile mode machining, the material is removed predominantly by plastic deformation and any cracks produced due to possible fracture in the cutting zone are prevented from extending into the machined surface. This is achieved by selecting an appropriate cutting tool and suitable machining parameters. In ductile machining by milling process, fracture induced cracks are diverted away from final machined surface by selecting a suitable feed per edge less than a critical threshold value. Hence determination of critical feed per edge is of paramount importance to achieve ductile mode machining by milling process. This paper presents an analytical model based on fracture mechanics principles to predict the critical feed per edge in milling process of glass. The size and orientation of cracks originating from brittle fracture during machining have been quantified by using indentation test results and the critical value of feed per edge has been determined analytically as a function of intrinsic materials properties governing brittle fracture and plastic deformation. Furthermore, an equivalent tool included angle has been suggested for machining operation as against the indenter included angle to correlate the indentation and machining test results with improved degree of accuracy. Experimental results validated the proposed model fairly accurately. It has been established that if the longest cracks oriented in radial direction to the cutting edge trajectory are prevented from reaching the final machined surface by selecting a feed per edge less than or equal to a critical value, a crack-free machined surface can be achieved.     

应用ELID技术进行微晶玻璃超精密磨削

由于微晶玻璃具有优良的物理、机械性能，在光学等领域得到了越来越多的应用。ELID磨削利用在线．电解的方法修整超细粒度的金刚石砂轮，可以有效地实现硬脆材料的超精密加工。本文将ELID磨削技术应用于微晶玻璃的超精密加工，通过改进ELID磨削的关键技术，包括砂轮电火花整形、电解修整电源和ELID磨削液的改进，实现了微晶玻璃的超精密磨削加工，同时通过采用原子力显微镜对不同磨削参数下的工件表面进行分析，以保证在塑性状态下对微晶玻璃进行磨削。因此提高了ELID磨削的质量。获得了Ra2．308nm的较好表面质量。     

Surface characterization in ultra-precision machining of Al/SiC metal matrix composites using data dependent systems analysis

This paper presents a data dependent systems (DDSs) method for the analysis of surface generation in ultra-precision machining of Al/SiC metal matrix composites (MMCs). The DDS analysis provides a component by component wavelength decomposition of the surface roughness profile of the machined surface. A series of face cutting experiments was done on Al6061/15SiC_p MMCs under different cutting conditions. The cutting results indicate that the characteristics of the wavelength components analyzed by the DDS analysis method are correlated well with the surface generation mechanisms. Since the relative powers of the wavelength components are used to measure the contributions of the cutting mechanisms to the total roughness, this resolves the shortcomings of the conventional spectrum analysis method in characterizing the surface properties such as pits and cracks in ultra-precision machining of MMCs.     

Effect of tilt angle on cutting regime transition in glass micromilling

Recent development in mechanical micromachining technology has increased the realization of micromachining as a feasible manufacturing process of micro-scale components including glass-based devices. It has been found that glass can be machined in a ductile regime under certain controlled cutting configurations. However, favorable ductile regime machining instead of brittle regime machining in micromilling of brittle glass is still not fully understood as a function of cutting configuration. In this study, the effect of tilt angle along the feed direction on cutting regime transition has been studied in micromilling crown glass with a micro-ball end mill. Straight glass grooves were machined in water bath by varying the tool tilt angle and the feed rate, and the resulting surface was characterized using the scanning electron microscope and the profilometer to investigate the glass cutting regime transition. In characterizing the cutting regimes in glass micromilling, rubbing, ductile machining, and brittle machining regimes are hypothesized according to the undeformed chip thickness. It is found that a crack-free glass surface can be better machined in the ductile mode using a 45° tilt angle and feed rates up to 0.32 mm/min. During each milling pass, surface roughness was found to decrease from the entry zone to the groove bottom and then increase to the exit zone regardless of the cutting regime.     

六面顶压机油缸加工机的研制

我们研制了一种新型超精加工设备,用来修磨加工六面顶压机油缸的内孔.通过采用有效可行的工艺,特殊的超精磨具,保证了不易加工的大直径设备内孔的尺寸精度与表面粗糙度的要求.用该设备加工近百台压机油缸,经检验全部合格.该设备结构简单、维护方便、使用寿命长、有效地解决了六面顶压机油缸泄露问题,值得推广使用.     

Effect of surface roughness of tool electrode materials in ECDM performance

Electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) is an emerging non-traditional machining process that involves high-temperature melting assisted by accelerated chemical etching. In this study, the tool electrode (200 μm in diameter) is fabricated by wire electrical discharge grinding (WEDG). After the tool electrode is machined, the surface roughness of tool electrode materials (stainless steel, tungsten carbide, and tungsten) is different because of the physical properties. However, the surface roughness affects the wettability on tool electrode, and also changed the coalesce status of gas film in ECDM. Hence, this study explores the wettability and machining characteristics of different tool electrode materials and their impact on gas film formation. Their machining performance and extent of wear under gravity-feed micro-hole drilling are also examined. Experimental results show that the optimal voltage of different tool electrode can shed light on the machining performance. Moreover, wettability of tool electrode is determined by surface roughness of tool material, which in turn affects the coalesce status of gas film, machining stability and micro-hole diameter achieved. In addition, differences in tool material also results in variations in machining speed. Significant tool wear is observed after repeated gravity-feed machining of 50 micro-holes.     

Surface integrity in cryogenic machining of nickel based alloy—Inconel 718

In machining processes, a major quality related output is integrity of the machined part surface. In machining of difficult-to-cut materials, a drastic decrease in tool-life makes the machining process even more difficult. By considering the broader perspective of the machining system tailored towards sustainable operations, in this work an alternative—cryogenic machining is evaluated for machining performance. The surface integrity characteristics of machined surface as a function of depth have been analyzed for different combinations of cooling/lubrication machining conditions. The residual stresses on the machined surface and sub-surface, surface hardness, and surface roughness are among the significant characteristics studied in this work. The results show that cryogenic machining processes can be implemented to improve all major surface integrity characteristics, thus improving the final product quality level.     

Development of monitoring system on the diamond tool wear

Recently, ultra-precision machining using a single crystal diamond tool has been developing very rapidly, especially in the fields of production processes for optical or magnetic parts such as magnetic discs, laser mirrors, polygon mirrors and copier drums. As a result, it has been successfully extended to machine various soft materials, generating mirror-like surfaces to sub-micron geometric accuracy with the ultra-precision CNC machine and the single crystal diamond tool. With the real cutting operation, the geometric accuracy and the surface finish attainable in machined surfaces are mainly determined by both of the sharpness of a cutting tool and stability of the machine vibration. In this study, for monitoring the progress of machining state for assuring the machining accuracy and the surface quality, a new monitoring method of machining states in face-cutting with diamond tool is proposed, using the frequency response of multi-sensors signal, which includes wear state of tool in terms of the energy within the specific frequency band. A magnetic disc is machined on the ultra-precision lathe.     

Experimental study on abrasive waterjet polishing for hard–brittle materials

The rapid growth of hard–brittle materials necessitates the development of compatible machining techniques, especially for the precision machining. The abrasive waterjet (AWJ) machining is a powerful tool in processing hard–brittle materials. In the last decades, some of AWJ machining technologies, such as AWJ cutting, AWJ milling and AWJ drilling have gradually become mature and steady. However, a few investigations on precision surface machining for hard–brittle materials by AWJ had been carried out. In this research, the ductile erosion mechanism of hard–brittle materials by AWJ in small erosion angle has been analyzed. In theory, the ductile erosion can achieve micromaterial removal and the surface eroded is smooth and without any fracture. Based on the ductile erosion mechanism, the feasibility of polishing for hard–brittle materials by the AWJ has been investigated. A group of polishing experiments is performed. The polished surfaces of workpieces were observed with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results of these polishing experiments indicate that AWJ has a great potential to be used as a precision surface machining technology.     

Tool path generation for ultra-precision machining of free-form surfaces

The generation of tool paths for ultra-precision machining is still a limiting factor in the manufacturing of parts with complex optical surfaces. In conventional machining as well as in complex five axes machining the application of CAD- and CAM-software for the generation of tool paths is state of the art. But these software solutions are not able to generate tool paths according to the high requirements of ultra-precision machining. This paper describes possible ways to generate tool paths for ultra-precision machining when the optical surface can be analytically described or when the surface data is derived from optical design software. Ultra-precision milling experiments with different tool paths have been carried out and the quality of the machined geometry has been evaluated concerning the achievable form accuracy.     

Progress in fluidized bed assisted abrasive jet machining (FB-AJM): Internal polishing of aluminium tubes

This paper deals with the internal finishing of tubular components made from a high strength aluminium alloy (AA 6082 T6) using a fluidized bed assisted abrasive jet machining (FB-AJM) system.Firstly, a Taguchi's experimental plan was used to investigate the influence of abrasive jet speed, machining cycle, and abrasive mesh size on surface roughness and material removal trends. Secondly, the leading finishing mechanisms were studied using combined 3d profilometer-SEM analysis to monitor the evolution of the surface morphology of machined workpieces. Finally, the circumferential uniformity and precision machining of the inner surface of workpieces were tested by evaluating the values of the more significant roughness parameters in different circumferential locations.Consistent trends of surface roughness vs. operational parameters were measured, and significant material removal was found to affect the workpieces during machining. As a result, FB-AJM was found to preferentially machine the asperities and irregularities of the surface, thereby altering the overall surface morphology producing more regular and smoother finishing. Moreover, the good circumferential uniformity and machining accuracy FB-AJM guarantees even on ductile aluminium alloy workpieces ensure that this technology can be applied to a diverse set of industrial components.     

Improving surface quality in BEAM with optimized electrode

Blasting erosion arc machining (BEAM) introduces a high-efficiency and low-cost machining technique in dealing with difficult-to-cut materials. Despite its high machining efficiency, the machined surface is quite rough. It leads to an excessive allowance for subsequent processing. This paper presents an optimized tool electrode design that enables an enhanced hybrid arc breaking mechanism. Both flow field simulation and machining test verify that the optimized electrode can guarantee a much better gap flow field and debris expelling effect. The corresponding machined surface is significantly improved in aspects of surface roughness, smoothness, uniformity, recast layer as well as heat affected zone.     

A mesoplasticitiy analysis of cutting friction in ultra-precision machining

The control and minimization of cutting force variation is of prime importance in obtaining a consistent surface finish and form accuracy of a machined workpiece in ultra-precision machining. However, most continuum theories do not take into account the effect of crystallographic anisotropy that causes variation in the shear plane at the grain level and hence of the cutting force. The periodicity of the fluctuation of cutting forces is found to be dependent on the frictional condition during cutting. However, investigation of the in situ relationships among the cutting friction, the crystallographic orientation of workpiece and the periodic fluctuation of cutting forces has received relatively little attention. In this paper, a mesoplasticity approach is proposed to access the crystallographic and frictional effect on the fluctuation of micro-cutting forces in diamond turning of crystalline materials. The predictions were able to explain the experimental results based on the power spectrum analysis of the cutting force variation. The research findings throw light on the possibility of an indirect in situ assessment of the frictional condition in ultra-precision machining.     

Fundamental investigation of ultra-precision ductile machining of tungsten carbide by applying elliptical vibration cutting with single crystal diamond

This paper presents essential investigations on the feasibility of ductile mode machining of sintered tungsten carbide assisted by ultrasonic elliptical vibration cutting technology. It lays out the foundations toward efficient application of elliptical vibration cutting technology on tungsten carbide. Tungsten carbide is a crucial material for glass molding in the optics manufacturing industry. Its grain size and binder material have significant influence not only on the mechanical and chemical properties but also on the machining performance of tungsten carbide. In order to investigate the influence of material composition on tungsten carbide machining, a series of grooving and planing experiments were conducted utilizing single crystal diamond tools. The experimental results indicated that as compared to ordinary cutting where finished surface deteriorates seriously, ductile mode machining can be attained successfully by applying the elliptical vibration cutting technique. It was also clarified that the binder material, the grain size, cutting/vibration conditions as well as crystal orientation of the diamond tool have significant influence on the tool life and the machined surface quality. Based on these fundamental results, feasibility of micro/nano-scale fabrication on tungsten carbide is investigated. By applying amplitude control sculpturing method, where depth of cut is arbitrary changed by controlling the vibration amplitude while machining, ultra-precision textured grooves and a dimple pattern were successfully sculptured on tungsten carbide in ductile mode.     

Application of micro-EDM combined with high-frequency dither grinding to micro-hole machining

This research presents a novel process using micro electro-discharge machining (micro-EDM) combined with high-frequency dither grinding (HFDG) to improve the surface roughness of micro-holes. Micro-EDM is a well-established machining option for manufacturing geometrically complex small parts (diameter under 100 μm) of hard or super-tough materials. However, micro-EDM causes the recast layer formed on the machined surface to become covered with discharge craters and micro-cracks, resulting in poor surface quality. This affects the diameter of the micro-hole machined and undermines seriously the precision of the geometric shape. The proposed method that combines micro-EDM process with HFDG is applied to machining high-nickel alloy. As observed in SEM photographs and surface roughness measurement, HFDG method can reduce surface roughness from 2.12 to 0.85 μm Rmax with micro-cracks eliminated. Our results demonstrated that micro-holes fabricated by micro-EDM at peak current 500 mA followed by HFDG at 40 V can achieve precise shape and good surface quality after 6–8 min of lapping.     

Influence from production parameters on the surface roughness of a machined short fibre reinforced thermoplastic

Machining is a relatively new manufacturing method for short fibre reinforced thermoplastics (SFRTP), and the theory and experience from other materials cannot be directly applied. It is therefore necessary to set up new guidelines for how to ensure a satisfactory result from the machining. Experiments were carried out to study how the surface roughness of a SFRTP, machined by turning, was influenced by variations of the feed rate, the cutting speed, the tool radius, the fibre orientation and the interactions between them. The roughness increased for an increasing feed rate and a decreasing tool radius. These parameters interacted, which shows the difficulty of deciding the setting of the production parameters by trial-and-error. Interaction also results in more complicated guidelines for the machining. A slight influence on the roughness was found for low cutting speeds, whereas higher speeds had no significant influence. The roughness was found to be independent of the fibre orientation. The overall conclusion was that it seemed to be possible to set up guidelines for an optimal machining of SFRTP. These recommendations differ from the theoretical ones applicable for the machining of metals.     

材料去除过程中Rehbinder效应的研究进展

精密机械加工过程中,利用Rehbinder效应对工件表面特性的影响,可以更好地控制零件表面质量。不同工程材料的Rehbinder效应的微观表现形式有所差异,但宏观结果都是降低工件表面硬度,使材料去除过程更容易进行。回顾了Rehbinder效应概念的提出和发展过程并对其内涵和应用范围进行了阐述,为加工过程中的材料去除方法提供思路,对材料表面完整性的形成具有指导意义。列举了近年来科研人员对Rehbinder效应的相关研究成果,分析对比其在硬脆材料和塑性材料加工过程中的表现形式和微观作用机理,总结Rehbinder效应的影响因素,如极性分子的吸附活性、工件材料的晶粒尺寸等。揭示了Rehbinder效应中极性分子的吸附作用,以及吸附作用后的扩散、位错和间隙三种促进机制,并综述离散元法、有限元法和分子动力学等数值仿真方法对宏观尺度和微观尺度Rehbinder效应机理的研究。Rehbinder效应可以看作是一种对加工表面的改性机制,研究Rehbinder效应作用下的表面活性剂与被加工表面的匹配机制是提高材料表面完整性的关键,对推动精密制造工艺的发展有重要意义。     

On tool wear and its effect on machined surface integrity

This paper presents the results of an investigation of induced residual stress, induced strain, and induced subsurface energy in machined surfaces due to the machining process. The influence of tool wear on residual stress, strain, and energy is also reported. The exact elasticity solution for a split ring was extended and used to calculate the residual stress in the machined surface by using ring dimension changes caused by the electrochemical removal of a thin layer of residually stressed surface. The strain distribution beneath the machined surface was determined by using the grid technique. The subsurface energy stored in the machined surface was then obtained from the data of residual stress and strain. For the materials studied, this investigation showed that such energy could not be neglected when establishing the total energy needed for machining a unit volume of material. Tool coatings having different surface roughness and tools having various magnitudes of flank wear were investigated. The experimental results show that tool wear is a dominant factor affecting the values of induced residual stress, strain, subsurface energy, and the quality of the machined surface. The increase of tool wear caused an increase of residual stress and strain beneath the machined surface. It was also found that the overall energy stored in the machined subsurface increases as the tool wear increases and as the tool surface gets rougher. When the cutting tool is severely worn, the machined surface not only becomes very rough, but also contains many partially fractured laps or cracks. This makes tool wear a key factor in controlling the quality of the machined surface.     

Micro-end-milling of single-crystal silicon

Ductile-regime machining of silicon using micro-end-mill is almost impossible because of the brittle properties of silicon, crystal orientation effects, edge radius of the cutter and the hardness of tool materials. Micro-end-milling can potentially be used to create desired three dimensional (3D) free form surface features using the ductile machining technology for single-crystal silicon. There is still a lack of fundamental understanding of micro-end-milling of single-crystal silicon using diamond-coated tool, specifically basic understanding of material removal mechanism, cutting forces and machined surface integrity in micro-scale machining of silicon. In this paper, further research to understand the chip formation mechanism was conducted. An analysis was performed to discover how the chips are removed during the milling process. Brittle and ductile cutting regimes corresponding to machined surfaces and chips are discussed. Experiments have shown that single-crystal silicon can be ductile machined using micro-end-milling process. Forces generated when micro-end-milling single-crystal silicon are used to determine the performance of the milling process. Experimental results show that the dependence of the cutting force on the uncut chip thickness can be well described by a polynomial function order n. As cutting regime becomes more brittle, the cutting force has more complex function.     

The effect of variation of rake angle on wearland stress in metal cutting

This paper presents an experimental relationship between tool rake angle and wear land stress inorthogonal machining. Results indicated that contrary to general expectation, increasing the rake angle did not result in a continuous decrease in wear land stress. For small rake angles, elastic recovery and swelling of the machined surface seemed to be the major causes of wear land stress. For larger rake angles, however, tool flank swelling appeared to be the dominating cause of the stress on the wear land.