Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Surface finishing of intricate metal mould structures by large-area electron beam irradiation

Murray, J.W.; Kinnell, P.K.; Cannon, A.H; Bailey, B.; Clare, A.T.

Authors

J.W. Murray

P.K. Kinnell

A.H Cannon

B. Bailey

ADAM CLARE adam.clare@nottingham.ac.uk
Professor of Manufacturing Engineering



Abstract

The advancement of polymer moulding tools is increasingly focused on imparting not only form but also surface texture for functionality to the surfaces of parts that are created. Furthermore, the increasing demand for inexpensive and higher quality micro-components means that tools for replication processes must take advantage of advanced manufacturing techniques. Tools created by processes such as micro-investment casting, as in this case, may often suffer from excessive surface roughness, malformed edges and general deformation. This results in higher de-moulding forces and a reduction in fidelity of moulded parts to design intent. In this study, large-area electron beam irradiation (EB) is shown to be an effective technique for improving these metrics. For the first time, large population, high aspect ratio micro-features are subject to this process and the mechanisms of smoothing and key enhancement phenomena are demonstrated. The possibility of including EB irradiation in an integrated process chain for arriving at net shape is also discussed.

Surfaces of protruding features are shown to have surface roughness reduced significantly from 126 to 22 nm Ra value, with bottom substrate also similarly improving from 150 to 27 nm Ra. Bottoms of recessed features are also observed to have much improved surface finishes. ‘Doming’ of tops of column features is also demonstrated, further enhancing form. These features would be far too fragile to be polished by any other mechanical method.

Citation

Murray, J., Kinnell, P., Cannon, A., Bailey, B., & Clare, A. (2013). Surface finishing of intricate metal mould structures by large-area electron beam irradiation. Precision Engineering, 37(2), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precisioneng.2012.11.007

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Apr 1, 2013
Deposit Date Apr 4, 2014
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Precision Engineering
Print ISSN 0141-6359
Electronic ISSN 0141-6359
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 37
Issue 2
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precisioneng.2012.11.007
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1002373
Publisher URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141635912001808#

Files





You might also like



Downloadable Citations