Machining a Micro-Scale Structure Using an in-House Developed Miniature Machine Tool

Abstract

Custom-built Miniature Machine Tools (MMTs) are now becoming more popular with the demand for reduced energy consumption and workshop floor when machining small/medium batch size micro-components. This paper investigates the capability of a custom-built 4-axis MMT through machining a micro-component demonstrator. The experiments have been carried out in Titanium Alloyed (TiAL6V4) using 0.6mm solid carbide flat end mill cutters. From here, the surface quality and geometrical accuracy of the machined testpiece are evaluated and analysed. The investigation has shown that acceptable geometrical accuracies and surface quality of the machined micro-demonstrator can be achieved using the in-house developed MMT. These results show that the use of the custom-made MMT does not hinder the micro-milling process to produce a good and satisfactory surface quality and acceptable geometrical accuracy.