| Publication Type |
thesis |
| School or College |
College of Engineering |
| Department |
Mechanical Engineering |
| Author |
Howe, Matthew Riga |
| Title |
Design of a precision grinder with closed loop optical feedback for the manufacture of micro electro discharge machining electrodes |
| Date |
2009-06-23 |
| Description |
This research focuses on the design of a precision grinder for the manufacture of electrodes used in micro-electro discharge machining (EDM). Electrodes used in micro- EDM can range in size from 10 - 500 microns in diameter and are typically produced through conventional precision grinding. Variability in grinding parameters such as vibration, spindle run out, electrode positioning, and electrode deflection at high lengthto- diameter aspect ratios result in increased grinding time and difficult to achieve repeatability. To mitigate this variability and to provide for a faster automated solution, the precision grinder developed incorporates a high resolution optical measurement system, precision air bearing spindle, and air bearing x-y positioning stage. The integrated high resolution optical measurement system allows for automated compensation for electrode positioning errors and other associated grinding variations. Sub micron resolution is achieved in the optics design allowing for in process resolution of the electrode diameter to within +/- 1 micron. Electrode positioning is achieved through use of an air bearing x-y stage with closed loop feedback position from a linear optical encoder with 100 nanometer (nm) resolution. A diamond grinding wheel is mounted on a precision air bearing spindle for minimal run out, vibration dampening, and stiffness. This grinder is demonstrated through the production of a series of electrodes with emphasis on the repeatability and tolerances achieved. |
| Type |
Text |
| Publisher |
University of Utah |
| Subject |
Grinding machines; Microelectrodes |
| Dissertation Institution |
University of Utah |
| Dissertation Name |
MS |
| Language |
eng |
| Relation is Version of |
Digital reproduction of "Design of a precision grinder with closed loop optical feedback for the manufacture of micro electro discharge machining electrodes" J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections TJ7.5 2009 .H68 |
| Rights Management |
© Matthew Riga Howe |
| Format Medium |
application/pdf |
| Format Extent |
19,737,619 bytes |
| Identifier |
us-etd2,111133 |
| Source |
Original: University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections |
| Conversion Specifications |
Original scanned on Epson GT-3000 as 400 dpi to pdf using ABBYY FineReader 9.0 Professional Edition |
| ARK |
ark:/87278/s6nz8p9d |
| Setname |
ir_etd |
| ID |
194152 |
| Reference URL |
https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6nz8p9d |
