Microlens array fabrication on WC mold using EDM milling with in situ electrode trimming

Tianfeng, Zhou and Liew, Pay Jun and Fubin, Ma and Benshuai, Ruan and Xibin, Wang and Jia, Zhou (2019) Microlens array fabrication on WC mold using EDM milling with in situ electrode trimming. The International Journal Of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 103 (5-8). pp. 3003-3011. ISSN 0268-3768

Text EDM MILLING- ZHOU TIANFENG.PDF Restricted to Registered users only Download (1MB)

Abstract

Precision glass molding (PGM) has been developed and improved to produce various functional lenses in the optical industry. Tungsten carbide (WC) molds have received increasing attention due to the low thermal expansion coefficient and long service time but the molds are difficult to machine using micro-cutting or micro-grinding methods. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) milling is a promising method for the fabrication of WC molds used for microlens arrays but the significant electrode wear results in low machining accuracy. In this paper, a new method is proposed to address the electrode wear by utilizing in situ electrode trimming during EDM milling; the objective is to improve the accuracy of the WC mold used for microlens array fabrication. The feasibility of the proposed in situ electrode trimming method is verified by comparing the surface roughness of the pits on the mold surface fabricated by EDM milling with and without electrode trimming. In addition, the structure of the copper–tungsten electrode is redesigned to improve the electrode stiffness during in situ trimming. Furthermore, an in situ trimming setup is developed and the trimming process of the electrode is optimized

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	EDM Milling, In Situ Trimming, Copper–Tungsten Electrode, Mold Manufacturing, Microlens Array
Divisions:	Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering
Depositing User:	Norfaradilla Idayu Ab. Ghafar
Date Deposited:	13 May 2022 16:45
Last Modified:	13 May 2022 16:45
URI:	http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/24390
Statistic Details:	View Download Statistic

Actions (login required)

View Item