Micro patterning on curved surface with a fast tool servo system for micro milling process

Demand for generating functional micro patterns on a curved surface such as molds has increased in various industrial sectors. In order to meet the demand, it is important to develop advanced micro machining technology to generate curved form and fine patterns, simultaneously and efficiently. This paper presents a newly developed machining system equipped with a fast tool servo mechanism for milling process driven by a giant magnetostrictive actuator and evaluation of its basic machining performance. The results confirmed that the developed system has capability to position the end mill precisely during machining and to generate patterned curved surface.