In this paper, we present our current work on developing mechanical machining systems for microfacotory which includes a miniaturized turning machine, a SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) tool clamping device and a micro turning machine usign new air bearing st...
In this paper, we present our current work on developing mechanical machining systems for microfacotory which includes a miniaturized turning machine, a SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) tool clamping device and a micro turning machine usign new air bearing stages with a magnet moving slotless linear motor and miniature high speed air spindle combined with magnetic bearing. The 3-axis milling machine was made of commercially available components at Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials. We show its design and numerical results from structural analysis. The new air bearing stage is proposed, and it's unique in the sense that a permanent magnet is used not only for preload but also for motion generation. The usage of the magnet simplifies the structure of the air bearing stage and it will be suitable for small size desktop machines. Two of these stages were constructed for a micro turning machine and tested with machining of a mirror surface. A NCcontrol system using DSP is developed for the micro machines to get flexibility of choosing control algorithm instead of current fixed structure controllers. We are currently evaluating how well the SMA tool clamping fits in the micro-machining systems. We show some experimental results from our first SMA clamping device. A miniature spindle with air bearing and magnetic bearing driven by air turbine is introduced and designed. By introducing magnetic bearings at radial directions, it is possible to control stability and precision of rotation.