New tool-workpiece setting up technology for micro-milling

A major issue in micromilling is the setting up with the necessary accuracy the work coordinate system on the machine. The spindle thermal stability during the setting up procedure make this a very difficult task. Thus, it is essential to develop new tool setting up technology to increase the process productivity, reduce machine setting up times and errors, and at the same time improve the precision and quality of machined components. The paper presents a cost-effective and reliable method for setting up the work coordinate system for micro-milling operations employing an on-line tool–workpiece voltage monitoring system. The viability of the proposed method was verified in a series of experiments conducted on an ultra-precision micromilling machine centre. The experimental trials involved the machining of test parts in brass with cutters 100 and 200 µm in diameter. The results of these experiments were analysed and compared with the capabilities of currently available methods and technologies on micro milling machine tools for condition monitoring and setting up the working coordinate systems. Finally, conclusions are made about the effectiveness of the proposed new tool-workpiece setting up technology for micro milling.