Precision machining by feedback of shape data (1st report) - The basic concept and examples of corrective machining

Since industrial products have become higher in performance and finer in si ze, machining with higher accuracy is therefore a necessity. On one hand th ere is the requirement to machining with high accuracy and on the other the re is the need to develop new systems to deal with this need. In this paper , the authors propose a new concept of machining system with feedback of sh ape as in positioning with displacement feedback. To manufacture products w ith high accuracy, the authors have developed a simple and flexible method for an on-the-machine measurement system using calibration with geometrical solids. The authors have also developed a metal surface modification metho d using a green compact electrode of tungsten carbide powder by EDM in hydr ocarbon oil. This process is realized on the same machine under the process of removal EDM and accretion EDM. These two techniques are combined in ord er to implement the precision machining system by feedback of shape data. S ome examples of machining by this system are described. The machining accur acy of +/- 20 mu m can be achieved for both flat and 2-dimensional shapes b y using the proposed system.