Efficient machining of ultra precise steel moulds with freeform surfaces

B. Bulla; D. J. Robertson; O. Dambon; F. Klocke

doi:10.1117/12.2028331

15 October 2013 Efficient machining of ultra precise steel moulds with freeform surfaces

B. Bulla, D. J. Robertson, O. Dambon, F. Klocke

Proceedings Volume 8884, Optifab 2013; 88840Q (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2028331
Event: SPIE Optifab, 2013, Rochester, New York, United States

Abstract

Ultra precision diamond turning of hardened steel to produce optical quality surfaces can be realized by applying an ultrasonic assisted process. With this technology optical moulds used typically for injection moulding can be machined directly from steel without the requirement to overcoat the mould with a diamond machinable material such as Nickel Phosphor. This has both the advantage of increasing the mould tool lifetime and also reducing manufacture costs by dispensing with the relatively expensive plating process. This publication will present results we have obtained for generating free form moulds in hardened steel by means of ultrasonic assisted diamond turning with a vibration frequency of 80 kHz. To provide a baseline with which to characterize the system performance we perform plane cutting experiments on different steel alloys with different compositions. The baseline machining results provides us information on the surface roughness and on tool wear caused during machining and we relate these to material composition. Moving on to freeform surfaces, we will present a theoretical background to define the machine program parameters for generating free forms by applying slow slide servo machining techniques. A solution for optimal part generation is introduced which forms the basis for the freeform machining experiments. The entire process chain, from the raw material through to ultra precision machining is presented, with emphasis on maintaining surface alignment when moving a component from CNC pre-machining to final machining using ultrasonic assisted diamond turning. The free form moulds are qualified on the basis of the surface roughness measurements and a form error map comparing the machined surface with the originally defined surface. These experiments demonstrate the feasibility of efficient free form machining applying ultrasonic assisted diamond turning of hardened steel.

Citation Download Citation

B. Bulla, D. J. Robertson, O. Dambon, and F. Klocke "Efficient machining of ultra precise steel moulds with freeform surfaces", Proc. SPIE 8884, Optifab 2013, 88840Q (15 October 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2028331

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