Papers by Author: Wing Bun Lee

Abstract: Ultra-precision polishing is an emerging technology for producing superfinishing surfaces with sub-micrometer form accuracy and surface finish in nanometer range. It has been applied in superpolishing the freeform bearing surfaces of orthopaedic implants. It is believe that the superfinished surfaces are capable of prolonging the life of the implants. In this paper, an experimental investigation of ultra-precision polishing of orthopaedic implants and the study of the wear characteristics of the superfinished surfaces using a multi-directional pin-on-plate wear test simulator are implemented. Tests were carried out over 3 million cycles using Zeeko IRP200 superfinished cobalt chrome pins articulating against cross-linked UHMWPE plates. The results were compared to that of manually polished pins articulated against the same UHMWPE material. The results show that the Zeeko IRP200 polished pins produced better wear performance that that of the manually polished pins.

Abstract: This paper presents a study of effect of cutting conditions on surface quality in FTS machining of optical microstructures such as micro-lens array. A power spectrum analysis is proposed to characterize the surface quality in FTS machining. It is found that there is a strong relationship between the surface roughness and the power spectrum of the surface profile. This provides an important means for the characterization of surface quality in FTS machining of optical microstructures.

Abstract: Virtual manufacturing (VM) is an emerging technology that provides a digital tool for the optimization of the production efficiency through simulations prior to the start of actual production. A NC program translator is one of the crucial components for virtual machining which allows the simulation and verification of NC tool path before actual machining. In this paper, a framework of a NC program translator for diamond turning of precision optics is presented.

Abstract: One of the remarkable achievements of nanotechnology is the ability to achieve nanometric surface finishes in single-point diamond turning of high-precision components for complex optical surfaces. A better understanding of the surface generation mechanisms is of prime importance for the development for the prediction of the surface roughness. This paper presents a study of mechanisms of nano-surface generation in single-point diamond turning of various types of materials.

Abstract: A strain gradient dependent crystal plasticity approach is adopted to model the size effect in the microforming process of sheet metal. To take into account the grain size effect in the simulation, the total slip resistance in each active system was assumed to be due to a mixed population of forest obstacles arising from both statistically stored and geometrically necessary dislocations. The non-local crystal plasticity has been established by directly incorporating the above slip resistance into the conventional rate-dependent crystal plasticity and implemented into the Abaqus/Standard FE platform by developing the user subroutine UMAT. The formulation has been recapitulated and followed by presentation of the numerical examples employing both the local and non-local formulation. The comparison of the counterpart simulation results reveals the grain size effect in the microforming process and demonstrates the availability of the code developed.

Abstract: In this paper, a framework of surface generation model in the fast tool servo (FTS) machining of optical microstructures will be described. The integrated model is totally composed of a tool path generator (TPG), a surface topography model (STM) and an optimization model (OM). To develop the tool path generator, two parts should be involved. The first part is the tool path generated based on cutting conditions such as the feed rate and spindle speed, the geometry of optical microstructures, and diamond tool geometry. Another part is the synchronized motion generated by the tool actuation of the FTS at a bandwidth higher than the rotational frequency of the spindle. The surface topography model will be generated based on the TPG and used to predict the technological aspects of FTS machining. It takes into the account the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the cutting process. The former includes the tool path generated by the tool path generator. The later includes the relative vibration between the tool and the workpiece caused by the axial error motion of the spindle as well as the synchronized motion of the FTS system. The optimization model will be undertaken by an iterative algorithm, which will be developed based on the TPG and STM. The OM will be expected to output the verified tool path, the suggested optimum cutting conditions, and the diagrams with predicted cutting performance characteristic and process parameters being investigated. Eventually, the successful development of this surface generation model can contribute for the knowledge of ultra-precision machining with FTS and the further development of the performance of the machining system.

Abstract: Ultra-precision raster milling (UPRM) can directly achieve the fabrication of threedimensional non-axisymmetric freeform components with nanometeric surface finish and submicrometric form accuracy. During the past few years, a lot of research on computerized numerical control (CNC) machining technologies has been conducted; however, little of this research makes any contribution to UPRM. This paper studies the mechanism of scallop height generation for UPRM. Through analyzing the cutting edge locus and the scallop height generation mechanism, a model for feed-intervals and for raster-interval scallop height generation, are presented. Parameters such as selection of feed direction (vertical cutting and horizontal cutting), feed rate, spindle speed, tool nose radius, swing distance, feed length and raster distance have been taken into consideration in the scallop generation models.

Abstract: Based on the analysis of characteristics of progressive lens, it can be found that lens uneven change of curvature is an important reason of defect on progressive lens processed by single-point diamond cutting technique. By applying least square fairing method to fair the surface which is fitted and interpolated by Double Cubic B-Spline method, the curvature change of progressive surface becomes even. The processing experiment shows that the method in this paper can eliminate the defect effectively in the ultra-precision processing of progressive lenses.

Abstract: This paper presents the inspection technology for a freeform surface component which is named F-theta lens. F-theta lens is widely used in laser scanners, printers, etc. Freeform characterization is one of the main approaches to verify the manufacturing precision of freeform surface. At present, there is still a lack of techniques for the characterization of freeform surfaces. This study aimed to explore some approaches to inspect freeform surfaces. Two types of measurement methods, namely contact and non-contact measurement methods, are employed to measure the F-theta lens surface. The pros and cons, the existing problems, different applications and areas for improvement of the two methods are discussed. A series of advanced measuring instruments are used in the measurement process. A brief description of measurement mechanisms of these instruments is also presented. As a whole, this paper contributes to the development of the precision measurement technology for optical freeform surfaces.

Abstract: The influences of ultrasonic field to polishing performance of Polishing Based on Coupling Vibration of Liquid (PCVL) are analyzed here. The simulation results shows that sound field in the original polishing device is rather uneven due to the existence of standing wave. To obtain better polishing performance, the experimental equipment was modified. Uniformity of the sound field was improved by preventing standing wave, thus a better surface quality could be achieved. Furthermore, a higher machining efficiency could be also obtained because sound intensity was strengthened at the same time. From the results serials of experiments, the improvements made by modified equipment are clearly shown.