Papers by Author: Jen Osmer

Abstract: For the replication of optical glass or plastic components moulding inserts with surface roughness in the nanometre range and form accuracy in the micron or sub-micron range are needed. Despite these requirements the applied moulding insert material has to suit further needs like high temperature stability and resistivity against abrasive and chemical wear. To satisfy the specific requirements of replication processes steel alloys can be heat treated in a way to meet these demands. Unfortunately, these steel alloys cannot be machined with single crystal diamond tools because catastrophic diamond tool wear occurs. In recent years good progress in the field of ultra precision machining of steel has been made by nitrocarburizing the steel alloy. This leads to a sub-surface compound layer which is diamond machinable with surface roughness Sa < 10 nm and reduced diamond tool wear. But the ultra precision machining of these nitrocarburized steels introduces new challenges caused by the high hardness of the compound layer. Typical values are about 1200HV0.025. Therefore, this paper presents results from ultra precision machining processes focusing on the material behaviour during the cutting process. Influences of depth of cut and material composition on the surface generation can be found by evaluating chip formation and the resulting chips. Furthermore, the sub-surface of ultra precision machined steels is characterized by metallographic analysis to evaluate the influence of the nitrocarburizing process on ultra precision machining. In conclusion this paper presents the results for a deeper understanding of the material removal mechanisms in ultra precision machining of nitrocarburized steels.

Abstract: This paper presents results for the machining of materials typically applied in ultra precision machining in comparison to a nitrocarburized tool steel. Analyzing and evaluating the machining results regarding surface integrity lead to recommendations for the ultra precision machining of this new mold material. The influence of feed, depth of cut and cutting speed on surface quality, resulting cutting forces and tool wear have been investigated. The results show that the decisive factor for the ultra precision machining of nitrocarburized tool steel are the significantly higher cutting forces. In some cases the high cutting forces lead to vibrations during the turning process deteriorating the surface integrity. Therefore, tool nose radius and depth of cut have to be reduced to minimize the cutting forces and avoid the vibrations.

Abstract: Nowadays several qualified technologies have been established for the manufacturing of precision moulds. The fields of application can mainly be divided into moulds for non-optical and optical components. For optical moulding inserts the development goes from basic rotational symmetric geometries to complex surfaces like steep aspheres and freeforms which can additionally be overlaid with microstructures. The moulded components require a figure accuracy in the (sub-) micrometer and surface roughness in the nanometer range while moulds for replication also need advanced materials with high surface integrity. Here, diamond machining processes, e.g. diamond turning and milling as well as precision grinding and polishing are necessary for the manufacturing of precision moulding inserts from various materials. Depending on the material and application of the applied part to be replicated different replication techniques are used like injection moulding of plastics, hot embossing and precision moulding of optical glasses. For non-optical applications the current technical progress is driven by miniaturized products which are typically produced in mass production by replication techniques like hot embossing or metal forming. Each of these processes requires specific properties of the mould. Therefore, the surface topography and tribological conditions are of particular importance.

Abstract: The mass production of glass or plastic components by replication techniques, like hot pressing or injection moulding, requires inserts made of temperature resistant and hard materials. Generating an optical surface finish in these materials is time consuming and difficult. By using thermo-chemically treated steels as mould materials diamond cutting processes generating high form accuracies and low surface roughness can be applied without significant tool wear.