Micro-machining of additively manufactured metals: a review

Abstract

Metal additive manufacturing (MAM) has attracted significant interest in both academia and industry to produce near-netshape engineering components. The inherent defects in MAM, however, require suitable subtractive techniques as postprocesses to control dimensional and geometric tolerances as well as surface finish. The additively manufactured metals, with different microstructures than the wrought materials that produced by conventional routes, need different approaches and parameters when being machined. This review covers recent published literature on traditional micro-machining as a post-processing operation for MAM and recommends future directions. The text presents a brief review on the main AM processes followed by a comprehensive conventional micro-milling and microdrilling, as well as applications for micromachining. Micro-tool assessment, built-up-edge prediction and prevention, and link of macro/micro-machining are areas for future research.

Application of cutting fluids in micro-milling — A review

“…When cutting fluid is implemented with MQL method, delivering technique can be continuous or during cyclic pulses. Usage of food cooling, commonly applied in macro-machining, often results in failure in micro-machining because of inadequate lubrication and unacceptable short tool life [30]. Flood cooling deflects the thin and small micro-tool and cannot reach the cutting zone [31].…”

“…Flood cooling deflects the thin and small micro-tool and cannot reach the cutting zone [31]. Three main points contributing to successful cooling/lubrication in micro-machining are [30]:…”