Micro machining issues: Design and machining process

Numerical controlled high speed micromachining on desktop machines is known to induce inherently new types of errors and machining issues at micro scale. The sources of these errors are either not known, or difficult to be modeled. Some of these errors are due to the downscaling effect of machine elements to a small micro-machine. This paper attempts to explore key issues proper to micro machines that are different from standard scale NC machine tools. Experimental observations are shown to support the discussion. The knowledge gained from these phenomena is used to nurture the design methodologies of micro-scale machines, to plan a suitable tool path and hence to improve the micromachining quality. This will also ascertain the statement that direct downscaling of current machine tools is worthless.