Precision surface finish of the mold steel PDS5 using an innovative ball burnishing tool embedded with a load cell

A load-cell-embedded burnishing tool has been newly developed and integrated with a machining center, to improve the surface roughness of the PDS5 plastic injection mold steel. Either the rolling-contact type or the sliding-contact type was possible for the developed ball burnishing tool. The characteristic curves of burnishing force vs. surface roughness for the PDS5 plastic injection mold steel using the developed burnishing tool for both the rolling-contact type and the sliding-contact type, have been investigated and constructed, based on the test results. The optimal plane surface burnishing force for the PDS5 plastic injection mold steel was about 420 N for the rolling-contact type and about 470 N for the sliding-contact type, based on the results of experiments. A force compensation strategy that results in the constant optimal normal force for burnishing an inclined surface or a curved surface, has also been proposed to improve the surface roughness of the test objects in this study. The surface roughness of a fine milled inclined surface of 60 degrees can be improved from R_a 3.0 μm on average to R_a 0.08 μm (R_max 0.79 μm) on average using force compensation, whereas the surface roughness was R_a 0.35 μm (R_max 4.56 μm) on average with no force compensation.     

An investigation of surface roughness of burnished AISI 1042 steel

The aim of this study is to analyse the evolution of surface roughness finished by burnishing. Burnishing is done on a surface that was initially turned or turned and then ground.It has been noted that burnishing an AISI 1042 steel offers the best surface quality when using a small feed value. This finishing process improves roughness and introduces compressive residual stresses in the machined surface. So, it can replace grinding in the machining range of the piece.Also, an analytical model has been defined to determine the R_t factor in relation to the feed. Good correlations have been found between the experimental and analytical results.     

Automated surface finishing of plastic injection mold steel with spherical grinding and ball burnishing processes

This study investigates the possibilities of automated spherical grinding and ball burnishing surface finishing processes in a freeform surface plastic injection mold steel PDS5 on a CNC machining center. The design and manufacture of a grinding tool holder has been accomplished in this study. The optimal surface grinding parameters were determined using Taguchi’s orthogonal array method for plastic injection molding steel PDS5 on a machining center. The optimal surface grinding parameters for the plastic injection mold steel PDS5 were the combination of an abrasive material of PA Al₂O₃, a grinding speed of 18000 rpm, a grinding depth of 20 μm, and a feed of 50 mm/min. The surface roughness R_a of the specimen can be improved from about 1.60 μm to 0.35 μm by using the optimal parameters for surface grinding. Surface roughness R_a can be further improved from about 0.343 μm to 0.06 μm by using the ball burnishing process with the optimal burnishing parameters. Applying the optimal surface grinding and burnishing parameters sequentially to a fine-milled freeform surface mold insert, the surface roughness R_a of freeform surface region on the tested part can be improved from about 2.15 μm to 0.07 μm.     

Using specially designed high-stiffness burnishing tool to achieve high-quality surface finish

This paper is focused on the process of ball burnishing. The influence of tool stiffness on surface roughness parameters was considered theoretically, while experimental investigation was conducted to establish the influence of initial surface roughness (previous machining) on the effects of ball burnishing as the finishing process. Experimental investigations were conducted over a wide interval of most influential process parameters (burnishing forces, burnishing feed, and number of burnishing passes). The material used in the experiments was aluminum alloy EN AW-6082 (AlMgSi1) T651. Burnishing was performed using a specially designed tool of high stiffness. Statistical analysis of experimental data revealed strong correlation between roughness, R _a, and burnishing force, burnishing feed, and number of passes for the three surfaces, each with different roughness parameters. Particular combinations of process parameters yielded very low surface roughness, R _a, equivalent to polishing. It is worth noting that high surface quality can be achieved with relatively small burnishing forces, which differs from the investigations published so far. Contrary to conventional approaches, which are based on elastic tool systems, the authors propose the burnishing process to be conducted with high-stiffness tools. Further investigation shall be focused on optimization of burnishing process parameters in order to achieve surface finish equivalent to high polish.     

Influence of surface roughness effects on the performance of non-recessed hybrid journal bearings

The effect of journal and bearing surface roughness on the performance of a capillary compensated hole-entry hybrid journal bearing system has been theoretically studied. The analysis considers the average Reynold’s equation for the solution of lubricant flow field in the clearance space of a rough surface journal bearing system. The finite element method and Galarkin’s technique has been used to derive the system equation for the lubricant flow field. The non-dimensional parameters Λ (surface roughness parameter) and γ (surface pattern parameter) have been defined to represent the magnitude of height distribution of surface irregularities and their orientation, respectively. The influence of surface roughness on the bearing performance has been studied for the transverse, isotropic and longitudinal surface patterns. The bearing performance characteristics have been computed for both symmetric and asymmetric capillary compensated hole-entry journal bearing configurations for the various values of surface roughness parameter (Λ), surface pattern parameter (γ) and restrictor design parameter ( ). The computed results indicate that the inclusion of surface roughness effects in the analysis affects the performance of a bearing quite significantly vis-à-vis smooth surface bearing. The study indicates that for generation of accurate bearing characteristic data, the inclusion of surface roughness effects in the analysis is essential.     

The roughness effect on the frequency of frictional sound

Dry sliding of two bodies in contact generates a wide range of effects like friction, wear, heat and sound among others. The main interest of this study is in the frequency characteristics of the generated sound.In the past, frequency spectrum and sound pressure level with relation to surface topography (surface roughness in particular), have been studied mainly for concentrated contacts like stylus or hemispherical tip pin on a rough surface. Studies on flat–flat contacts were mainly focused on the topography of contacting surfaces and its relation to occurrence or non-occurrence of squeal (high pitch, high sound pressure level sound) in brake systems.The present study aims to clarify the effect of surface roughness on the frequency of non-squealing frictional sound generated in dry flat–flat sliding contact.Sound was generated by the dry contact in rubbing by hand of two rectangular cross-section stainless-steel plates having similar surface roughness. The roughness of the contacting surfaces varied in the range R_z=0.8–12.4 μm. The sound spectra had 5 peaks (P₁, P₂, P₃, P₄ and P₅) in order of increasing frequency and it was found that the peak frequency was shifted when the roughness of the rubbed surfaces changed. The first peak P₁ was most sensitive to change of surface roughness and it shifted from 3.0 to 4.5 kHz when the maximum surface roughness changed from R_z=10.9 to . When the surface was relatively rough, this peak was close to the first bending natural frequency of the plate at 2.377 kHz.     

Use of Eyring Equation to Explore the Frictional Responses of a –CF3 and a –CH3 Terminated Monolayers Self-Assembled on Silicon Substrate

A contact between a scanning force microscope Si₃N₄ probe and a flat surface of similar material is created. The low roughness of surfaces and their mechanical properties allow generating a nanoscopic elastic contact governs by an extended Hertz theory (DMT theory). The behavior of the initiation of sliding is investigated by submitting the contact to lateral sinusoidal displacements whose amplitude increases from zero to a few nanometers. The lateral force generated by the displacement is analyzed by a lock-in amplifier and the in-phase and out-of-phase components are recorded as a function of the displacement amplitude. Experimental results are compared to the Mindlin and Savkoor theories, which describe the initiation of sliding of macroscopic elastic contact. A relatively good agreement between our experiments and these theories is observed. For our particular experimental conditions, i.e., Si₃N₄ probe sliding on a similar material, the Mindlin’s model gives a slightly better agreement than the Savkoor’s model. This study shows that macroscopic concepts remain valid at the nanoscale, at least for the particular case studied here.     

Predictive model to estimate the stress–strain curves of bulk metals using nanoindentation

Many studies have shown that finite element modeling (FEM) can be used to fit experimental load–displacement data from nanoindentation tests. Most of the experimental data are obtained with sharp indenters. Compared to the spherical case, sharp tips do not directly allow the behavior of tested materials to be deduced because these produce a nominally-constant plastic strain impression. The aim of this work is to construct with FEM an equivalent stress–strain response of a material from a nanoindentation test, done with a pyramidal indenter. The procedure is based on two equations which link the parameters extracted from the experimental load–displacement curve with material parameters, such as Young's modulus E, yield stress Y₀ and tangent modulus E_T. We have already tested successfully the relations on well-known pure metallic surfaces. However, the load–displacement curve obtained using conical or pyramidal indenters cannot uniquely determine the stress–strain relationship of the indented material. The non-uniqueness of the solution is due to the existence of a characteristic point (ε_c, σ_c); for a given elastic modulus, all bilinear stress–strain curves that exhibit the same true stress σ_c at the specific true strain ε_C lead to the same loading and unloading indentation curve. We show that the true strain ε_c is constant for all tested materials (Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni), with an average value of 4.7% for a conical indenter with a half-included angle θ=70.3°. The ratio σ_c/ε_c is directly related to the elastic modulus of the indented material and the tip geometry.     

The use of finite element creep solutions to obtain J integrals for plane strain cracked members

Numerical values are obtained for the path independent J integral and for crack opening displacement δ, for internally and externally cracked tension members under conditions of plane strain. These parameters have been obtained, for an n-power creeping material, from stationary state solutions using the finite element method. Values of J and δ are compared with available results and are shown to be in good agreement.     

Prediction of surface characteristics obtained by burnishing

To reduce the irregularities of machined surface, burnishing is used as a finishing process by plastic deformation. This process does not only improve surface finish but also generates compressive residual stresses throughout the surface. In this work, an analytical study and a finite element modelling were performed to provide a fundamental understanding of the burnishing on an AISI 1042 workpiece. The analytical results were concentrated on the surface roughness and on some burnishing parameter effects. The simulations were devoted to the study of the surface profile, the residual stresses and the influence of burnishing parameters (penetration depth, feed rates, diameter of the ball of burnishing tool and initial surface quality) on surface roughness and the residual stress distribution. It has been noted that burnishing improves surface quality and introduces compressive residual stresses. These results were successfully compared to experimental data obtained in previous works.     

A new roughness parameter to evaluate the near-surface deformation in dry rolling/sliding contact

Within this work, a two-dimensional finite element model for rolling contact of a wheel on a rail is presented that accounts for the roughness of the contact surfaces. The rail material is modeled with elastic–plastic behavior. The maximum of the plastic shear strain is concentrated close to the surface of the rail and is mainly influenced by the surface roughness. A concept is proposed that demonstrates one crucial parameter of the roughness determines surface deformation (based on results of a sinusoidal roughness model). This roughness parameter depicts the ratio between asperity height and width. Numerical validation is achieved for predicting plastic shear strains in rough surfaces. The plastic shear strain is associated with surface damage, such as cracks and wear.     

Study of surface roughness effects in elastohydrodynamic lubrication of rolling line contacts using a deterministic model

A sinusoidal surface roughness model is adopted for the analysis of the effects of roughness amplitude and wavelength on pressure profile, film shape, minimum film thickness and coefficient of friction in a steady state EHL line contact. The influence coefficients used for the evaluation of surface displacements are calculated by utilizing a numerical method based on Fast Fourier Transform. Significant reduction is observed in the minimum film thickness due to surface roughness. Such reduction is quantified by roughness correction factor, C_R, and a relationship between C_R and non-dimensional surface roughness amplitude A is derived as: C_R=1−0.7823A^0.8213. This equation may prove to be of interest from designer's viewpoint. The friction coefficient is found to increase appreciably with increasing amplitude and decreasing wavelength of surface roughness.     

Measurement of surface roughness of metals using binary speckle image analysis

In this paper, results from an optical technique for measuring surface roughness using image analysis of speckle pattern images are presented. The technique coined as statistical properties of binary images (SPBI) utilizes the combined effects of speckle and scattering phenomena. The speckle patterns obtained with a He–Ne laser were binarized and examined. The parameters such as bright and dark regions and their ratios obtained from this model to evaluate the surface roughness were compared with the surface roughness parameter R_a obtained from a profilometer. It was found that there is a strong relationship between these parameters and R_a, especially in the range of λ<R_a<2λ where λ is He–Ne laser wavelength. Although, it is a relative method, it has great potential to be used for in-process measurement and automation due to the simplicity of optical system used. The proposed method for the surface roughness combined with a non-contact optical measuring system is applied to samples from 0.5825 to 1.9 μm of steel (CK 45) through CNC face-milling process.     

Three-dimensional kinematical analyses for surface grinding of large scale substrate

Sponsored by New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) and the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture (MESC) of Japan, this project has developed an advanced machining system for 300 mm silicon wafer, using fixed abrasive instead of conventional free slurry, to provide a totally integrated solution for achieving the surface roughness R_a<1 nm (R_y<5–6 nm) and the global flatness <0.2 μm/ 300 mm. Use of state-of-the-art technologies for ultra precision machine tools has made it possible to precisely control the motion and repeatability of each cutting edge. The behavior of each grain and its effect on surface generation become analytical in 2D manner [J JSPE 68(1) (2002) 125]. Taking one step further, this paper has developed a 3D model for infeed grinding which is often used in silicon grinding systems, and mathematically described the cutting path and effects on the surface roughness and flatness.     

Prediction of surface roughness of turned surfaces using neural networks

In this study, the prediction of surface roughness heights R_a and R_t of turned surfaces was carried out using neural networks with seven inputs, namely, tool insert grade, workpiece material, tool nose radius, rake angle, depth of cut, spindle rate, and feed rate. Coated carbide, polycrystalline and single crystal diamond inserts were used to conduct 304 turning experiments on a lathe, and surface roughness heights of the turned surfaces were measured. A systematic approach to obtain an optimal network was employed to consider the effects of network architecture and activation functions on the prediction accuracy of the neural network for this application. The reliability of the optimized neural network was further explored by predicting the roughness of surfaces turned on another lathe, and the results proved that the network was equally effective in predicting the R_a and R_t values of the surfaces machined on this lathe as well.     

Method of determination of truncation parameters from measured surface profile

The probability density function of the roughness height of a sliding surface is not always Gaussian like that of a truncated surface caused by running-in or mild wear. Therefore, it is important for obtaining contact pressure or frictional characteristics to estimate the truncation level of the non-Gaussian distribution function. This paper presents a method of determination of the two truncation parameters in the truncation model presented by King et al. [Proceedings of the 4th Leeds–Lyon Symposium on Tribology, MEP, London, 1978, p. 333]. The two truncation parameters p and β can be determined by plotting the values of skewness S_k and kurtosis K obtained from a measured profile of surface roughness on the S_k–K diagram calculated with the truncation model for various given values of parameters p and β. The height distributions reproduced by the truncation model with the truncation parameters p and β identified by the present method is in good agreement with the original ones of the measured surfaces.     

Determination of Optimal Ball-Burnishing Parameters for Plastic Injection Moulding Steel

The objective of this study is to determine the optimal plane ball-burnishing parameters for plastic injection moulding steel PDS5 on a machining centre by utilising the Taguchi’s orthogonal array method. The design and manufacture of a burnishing tool are described. Four burnishing parameters, namely the ball material, burnishing speed, burnishing force and feed, were selected as the experimental factors in Taguchi’s design of experiments to determine the optimal burnishing parameters which have the dominant influence on surface roughness. The optimal burnishing parameters were found after carrying out the experiments specified by Taguchi’s L18 orthogonal table, by the analysis of variation, and by a full factorial experiment. The optimal plane burnishing parameters for the plastic injection moulding steel PDS5 were a combination of a tungsten carbide ball, a burnishing speed of 200 mm/min, a burnishing force of 300 N and a feed of 40 μm. The surface roughness Ra of the specimen can be improved from about 1 μm to 0.07 μm by using the optimal burnishing parameters for plane burnishing.     

基于热力耦合的钢轨接触疲劳裂纹扩展特性分析

采用热弹塑性有限元法和裂纹尖端位移法,对轮轨全滑接触状态下的钢轨表面斜裂纹的扩展特性进行分析.热力耦合有限元模型中,考虑轮轨自由表面与环境热对流、裂纹表面间热传导和温度对材料参数的影响,通过移动边界条件模拟轮轨接触区的移动,计算轮轨摩擦因数、裂纹表面间的摩擦因数和裂纹角度对钢轨表面裂纹扩展特性的影响.计算结果表明:在热...     

Effect of a combined machining/burnishing tool on the roughness and mechanical properties

Burnishing is a cold working surface treatment process in which plastic deformation of surface irregularities occurs by exerting pressure through a very hard and a very smooth roller or ball on a surface to generate a uniform and work‐hardened surface. This treatment occurs generally after the machining process. In this study, a new combined machining/burnishing tool is designed and is fabricated. This tool allows for generating simultaneously the machining (turning) and the burnishing of the cylindrical surface using a turning machine. First, turned surfaces at different conditions, sketches, finishing and half finishing were performed using only the cutting tool. The evolutions of a surface roughness parameter and the technological time relative to every test condition have been investigated. Second, using the combined machining/burnishing tool at coarse conditions, the evolutions of the surface roughness and the technological time have been also investigated. A comparison among the parameters obtained under different machining conditions and those obtained using the combined machining/burnishing tool has been carried out. Moreover, the analyses of the layers obtained on the combined machined/burnished surface have shown that the burnishing process induces compressive residual stresses on the subsurface treated specimens. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Soft-tribology: Lubrication in a compliant PDMS–PDMS contact

We investigate the influence of surface roughness and hydrophobicity on the lubrication of a soft contact, consisting of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) sphere and a flat PDMS disk. The full Stribeck curves, showing boundary, mixed and elasto-hydrodynamic (EHL) lubrication, are presented for varying surface roughness and hydrophobicity. It is found that neither surface roughness nor hydrophobicity influence the friction coefficient (μ) within the EHL regime. However, increasing surface roughness decreases μ in the boundary regime, while extending the limits of the boundary and mixed lubrication regimes to larger values of the product of velocity and lubricant viscosity (Uη). The transition from the mixed lubrication to EHL regime is found to take place at lower values of the film thickness parameter Λ for increasingly rough surfaces. We found Λ=0.7 in the case of a root mean square (r.m.s.) surface roughness of 3.6 μm, suggesting that the effective surface roughness in a compliant compressed tribological contact is lower than that at ambient pressures. Rendering the PDMS surface hydrophilic promotes full-film lubrication and dramatically lowers μ in the boundary regime by more than an order of magnitude. This influence of surface wetting is also displayed when examining a range of lubricants using hydrophobic tribopairs, where the boundary μ decreases with decreasing lubricant–substrate contact angle. Implications of these measurements are discussed in terms of the creation of model surfaces for biotribological applications.