Integrated Desktop Machine Tool for Manufacturing and Application of Ultra-small Micro Pencil Grinding Tools

In micro machining, critical parameters such as run-out error of the spindle, re-clamping errors and tool handling in general, have a negative impact on the micro tooĺs life. To avoid this negative impact a new machine tool - the Nano Grinding Center - has been developed at the Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Production Systems. The Nano Grinding Center is a fully integrated tool production and application machine for micro pencil grinding tools without re-clamping. The manufacturing of ultra-small tool diameters (< 5 μm) with customized tool shapes requires an individualization of the micro manufacturing process and further a modularity of the desktop sized machine tool. Therefore, the gantry type desktop machine consists of three modules in order to manufacture micro pencil grinding tools: The grinding module, the μEDM module for tool optimization, the electroplating module for tool coating. One nanometer-level positioning XY-table is provided for the tool application and a camera module allows the process observation. The independent modules of this machine are mounted on the machine bed, thus the traverse including the Z-axis with the tool spindle has to approach each module for tool manufacturing or application. In this article, the concept of the Nano Grinding Center with all modules and functions will be outlined.