Micro-Hole Multi-Point Punching System Using Punch and Die Made by EDM

概要

論文の詳細を見る
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.