6795.1:
Miniature-electrode-feeder for ultra high precision micro-electro discharge machining (MEFee)
Abstract
The recent developments on small size ultra high precision electro-discharge machines (EDM) have demonstrated the commercial potential of these nano-structuring techniques in the nanotechnologies.
During the sinking-EDM process, an important wear is observed on the electrode. Depending on the materials the wear of the electrode can be as high as 200% of the machined part. An electrode-feeder is thus necessary to compensate the wear.
The existing electrode-feeders are not adapted to the ultra high precision electrodischarge machines. In this project we will propose totally new designs, simple and compact, for the electrode-feeder. Several solutions will be proposed and compared. At the end of the project a miniature electrode-feeder will be available for evaluation by AGIE.
During the 4 months continuation of the project, the two electrode-feeder prototypes developed so far will be finalized, characterized in laboratory and tested in real micro-EDM condition at AGIE. Two main new functionalities will be tested:
- a high speed rotation of the electrode during EDM process should improve the machining quality and make the electrode wear uniform;
- the PZT electrode-feeder will allow to compensate the electrode wear in continuous during the micro-EDM machining, thus increasing the productivity.