Enhanced deterministic design: Application to a micro CNC machine design

This paper introduces an enhanced deterministic design approach for the design of a micro mechanical system with the objective to achieve better accuracy through miniaturisation. The methodology of design encompasses optimisation using Taguchi technique, finite element modelling, and, added functions considering a number of micro physical problems that may characterise the micro mechanical system. Typical micro physical problems of a micro milling machine were enumerated with possibilities to include some of them within the overall methodology was observed. Micro physical effects may not all have a known model. An objective function was created to satisfy part of the specifications. An example of a vertical column of the micro mill was designed and evaluated within the concept of the proposed design methodology. Initial results and error assessment measured on the micro machine are presented.