Investigation on the micromilled surface characterization through replica technology

Federico Baruffi, P. Parenti, F. Cacciatore, M. Annoni, Guido Tosello

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    Abstract

    Micromilling is one of the most suitable technologies for the direct manufacturing of freeform micro components aswell as for the generation of complex geometries typical of micro mould manufacturing. In this context, a detailed knowledge of the surface topography is fundamental to deal with quality control and tolerances to meet the parts functionality. However, in many cases, the reduced accessibility caused by the part complex features (e.g. microcavities, micro-holes, deep-cores) prevents from performing a direct measurement of the surface, using both contactand non-contact techniques. This represents an open issue that, in some cases, can be tackled by adopting the replication technology. The method consists in obtaining the replicated surface and performing its measurement using suitable measuring systems. This paper evaluates the actual performance of a commercial replication product for the indirect measurement of micromilled surfaces, characterized by submicrometer roughness levels. The study assesses the performance of the replication method by measuring the surface roughness (in terms of Sa) of specifically designed micromilled flat surfaces. A 3D confocal optical microscope is employed for the measurements. Two different workpiece materials (AISI 440, annealed and hardened), two different milling conditions (roughing and finishing types) and three replications of each surface are analyzed. The replication resulted suitable forcharacterizing micromilled surfaces even if it gives an average overestimation in the nanometric level of the Saparameter.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the 11th International Conference on Multi-Material Micro Manufacture (4M2016) : co-organised with 10th International Workshop on Microfactories (IWMF2016)
    PublisherResearch Publishing Services
    Publication date2016
    Pages277-280
    ISBN (Print)978-981-11-0749-8
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2016
    Event4M/IWMF 2016 Conference - Technical University of Copenhagen, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
    Duration: 13 Sept 201615 Sept 2016
    http://www.4m-association.org/

    Conference

    Conference4M/IWMF 2016 Conference
    LocationTechnical University of Copenhagen
    Country/TerritoryDenmark
    CityKgs. Lyngby
    Period13/09/201615/09/2016
    Internet address

    Keywords

    • Replica Technology
    • Roughness
    • Micro Milling
    • Surface Metrology

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