Title: 100 µm-size stationary spot machining in elastic emission machining

Authors: Yoshinori Takei; Hidekazu Mimura

Addresses: Department of Precision Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Building 14 Room 833, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan ' Department of Precision Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Building 14 Room 833, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan

Abstract: Recently, by using various ultraprecision machining methods, optical devices having both nanometer-level figure accuracy and nanometer-level smoothness have become obtainable. However, improvement of the spatial resolution in figuring is still strongly required, particularly when the shape of optical devices is complicated. We have been developing a figure correction system using elastic emission machining (EEM). In this study, an EEM nozzle head having a minute aperture with a diameter of less than 60 µm was developed. The minute hole was prepared by micro-electrical discharge machining (EDM). A stationary spot profile with a diameter of 100 µm was experimentally obtained. Using the developed nozzle, spatial resolution better than 100 µm is expected to be realised in the EEM figuring system.

Keywords: elastic emission machining; EEM; optical fabrication; smoothing; figuring; ultraprecision machining; spatial resolution; micro EDM; electrical discharge machining; electro-discharge machining; nanotechnology; stationary spot profile.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNM.2014.060795

International Journal of Nanomanufacturing, 2014 Vol.10 No.3, pp.244 - 253

Received: 05 Nov 2012
Accepted: 19 Jul 2013

Published online: 17 May 2014 *

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