Journal of Solid Mechanics and Materials Engineering
Online ISSN : 1880-9871
ISSN-L : 1880-9871
Papers
Micro-Hole Multi-Point Punching System Using Punch and Die Made by EDM
Mark BROOMFIELDToshihiko MORITeruaki MIKURIYAKazushi TACHIBANA
Author information
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2009 Volume 3 Issue 4 Pages 710-720

Details
Abstract

In this research a multi-point micro punch and die system was developed. The process of electric discharge machining (EDM) was used to produce both the punch and die. The punches were machined from a 5 mm diameter tungsten and a 10 mm diameter tool steel round rods by wire electric discharge machining (WEDM), using a 200 µm diameter wire electrode. The die holes were made using the punch as the electrode. The EDM process of the holes was carried out on a newly developed desktop EDM machine. The punch and die placed on a micro-die set and then on a micro press were used to produce micro-holes using an automatic control system developed for this process. Experiments to produce 50 µm to 67 µm square micro-holes on 50 µm thick aluminum, 30 µm thick copper and 20 µm thick stainless steel foils were conducted. The capabilities of multi-point punching using the tungsten punch and a tool steel punch were examined and tungsten was chosen as the material of choice for making the punch tool. A scanning electron microscope confirmed that the holes produced are clean, and the sheared surfaces smooth. The punch tool showed no signs of deformation or cracks even after repeated punching.

Content from these authors
© 2009 by The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers
Previous article
feedback
Top