Deburring and Surface Conditioning of Micro Milled Structures by Abrasive and Non-Abrasive Micro Peening

Author:  C Horsch, V Schulze, D L
Source:  Conf Proc: ICSP-9 (pg 191-196)
Doc ID:  2005071
Year of Publication:  2005
Abstract:  
ABSTRACT Micro milling is an economically interesting process for manufacturing of micro injection moulds for small and medium batches. In contrast to other manufacturing processes, like the LIGA-technique, it allows real 3-dimensional piece structures. However, moulds obtained by micro milling of hardened steels often show burrs that have to be removed. Additionally, the typical surface textures due to the milling process can obstruct demoulding. Micro peening with abrasive blasting agents allows deburring and removing of the surface textures due to the milling process. Edge rounding can be almost avoided using appropriate peening parameters and the use of appropriate blasting agents. Micro peening with non-abrasive blasting agents such as glass or ceramic beads allows a removal of surface textures by plastic deformation. Surface roughness can be significantly reduced by levelling of profile peaks. In the work presented here the influence of the micro peening process on micro milled structures was studied for different blasting agents in different single-step and double-step processes. This included the investigation of deburring effect, edge rounding and the influence on the surface topography.