Bio technologies, electronic components, MEMS or watch industry require handling and positioning of ever smaller micro-parts (ten to hundred μm size). Several tools used for such tasks, called micro-grippers have been developed based on different catching and releasing principles. Vacuum grippers are mainly used in the macro world and have been successfully downsized to fulfill micro-world appl...

In recent years, advanced materials with unique metallurgical properties such as super alloys, composites and ceramics have been developed to meet the demands of extreme applications. While these materials are harder, tougher, less heat sensitive and more resistant to corrosion and fatigue, they are also difficult to machine. Advanced materials are being widely used these days not only in the a...

In this study, beryllium-copper alloy was subjected to around -150° F for cold treatment and to around -300° F for cryogenic treatment and the effects of these cold and cryogenic treatments on the machinability of beryllium-copper workpieces in electro discharge machining have been investigated. Experimental results showed about 20-30 % increase in material removal rate of cold and cryogenic tr...

Wireless signals are inherently generated during the spark discharges of micro-electro-discharge machining (μEDM). This work harnesses signals between 300-750 MHz for the monitoring of batch mode machining quality. In particular, the wireless spectra are used to sense incipient, debris-dominated machining that can be destructive to both the tool and the workpiece. Planar stainless steel (316L) ...

The aim of this paper is to study the Electro discharge machining process. EDM has been an important manufacturing process for the tool, mould, and dies industries for several decades. The process is finding an increasing industrial use owing to its ability to produce geometrically complex shapes as well as its ability to machine hard materials that are extremely difficult using conventional pr...