X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and microhardness testing have been used to study properties which develop in micro-cut AISI 1045 steel. The influence of the ploughing effect on residual stresses, surface deformation and work hardening, and the tool quality were investigated. Tensile residual stresses, caused by the heat generated in the material during the cutting process, were observed ...

We have designed a micro parallel positioning platform with two translational motions and a rotational motion that can tilt through large angles. Combined with a laser source mounted on its own slide, the platform can be used to produce fully three-dimensional micro-scale components. We investigate the kinematics, workspace, Jacobian matrix, and singularities of this parallel mechanism, and ana...

Ultrahigh-throughput denaturing electrophoresis (>5000 channels) can enable rapid, low-cost mutation scans of human genomes. One design challenge for such instruments is successfully interfacing to the capillary channel array ends for loading and independently collecting DNA while enabling electrophoresis, permitting DNA detection, and preventing evaporation. A micro-well array based on tapered...

Electro Discharge Machining (EDM) is a very efficient machining process widely used in manufacturing components of complicated geometry. Based on its nature, i.e. material removal by electric discharge, the process induces thermal stresses that in turn result in generation of wide spread micro-cracks on the surface of the machined part. In this paper the influence of EDM characteristic paramete...

Batch mode micro-electro-discharge machining ( EDM) is a lithography-compatible microfabrication method suitable for making devices from bulk metals, including stainless steel. In high-density patterns, spurious discharges through debris can cause workpiece edge rounding, fast tool wear, and mushroom-shaped metal recasting of the tool. This paper reports a Si coating technique that acts as a di...

We have developed an interactive computer-aided design program that supports mechanical design of devices fabricated in surface micro-machining processes. The program automates kinematic analysis via a novel configuration space computation code, performs real-time simulation, and supports functional parametric design. Designers can visualize system function under a range of operating conditions...

INTRODUCTION The North American manufacturing industry has seen a growing demand for precision machined components in recent years. Biomedical devices, micro-optical moulds, and automotive parts are examples of precision manufactured components. Traditional milling practices have reached the limit of the machines’ accuracy and cannot achieve high tolerances now demanded in the micro-machining f...