Papers by Author: K. Shimada

Abstract: . Micro ultrasonic machining (micro-USM) is an effective machining method for hard brittle materials. In the micro-USM process, the workpiece materials are machined through the accumulation of small brittle fractures generated by the impacts of abrasive grains. Therefore, it becomes difficult to obtain a smooth machined surface. In the proposed electrorheological fluid-assisted ultrasonic machining (ER fluid-assisted USM), the behavior of abrasive grains is controlled using the effect of dielectrophoretic force acting on the abrasive grains and the ER effect. The behavior of the abrasive grains can be controlled by changing the electric field distribution. In the present paper, the shape and position of the auxiliary electrode are arranged in order to control the abrasive grains to the side surface of the micro rectangular tool. By positioning the auxiliary electrode parallel to the micro rectangular tool, it becomes possible to concentrate abrasive grains to the side surface of the micro rectangular tool. Smoothing of the side surface of the workpiece by using the side surface of the micro rectangular tool is then investigated. As a result, the surface roughness of the side surface of the workpiece can be improved.

Abstract: Ultrasonic machining (USM) is an effective machining method for hard brittle materials. In the USM process, the slurry is supplied to the gap between the ultrasonic vibrating tool and the workpiece. Materials are removed by the accumulation of small brittle fractures made by the impacts of abrasive grains. In a previous study, we proposed electrorheological fluid (ER fluid) assisted-USM, and the effect of ER fluid-assisted USM was confirmed practically by machining precise micro-holes and micro-grooves on hard brittle materials. In the present paper, in order to confirm the effect of ER fluid assistance for micro USM in more detail, the behavior of abrasive grains in the machining area is observed. The effect of dielectrophoretic force acts on the abrasive grains and the effect of using ER fluid assistance are investigated. As a result, the abrasive grains can closely approach the micro tool by the effect of dielectrophoretic force and be fixed around the micro tool by the effect of ER fluid assistance. Under these conditions, the workpiece is removed primarily by the accumulation of small brittle fractures, and the chipping can be reduced.