The Basic Concepts of Micro-Milling Process and Its Review in Terms of Distinctive Parameters

Abstract

The micro-milling process is relating to the production of miniature parts, and it is one of the significant micromachining processes. The size of parts produced by micromachining is smaller than millimeters and in the range of a few microns. In the last years, the demand for needs to minimal parts in industries, such as biomedical, communication, and aerospace have been increased. To encounter this need, one of the proper solutions is the micro-milling process. In this study, a review of the micro-milling process was achieved in terms of the important common terms and some concepts. Terms like size effect, minimum chip thickness, and ploughing phenomenon were evaluated with respect to literature. These terms can be taken into account to distinguish a major difference between micro and macro cutting processes. In addition to, surface quality is an important required factor for machined parts. In this work also the surface roughness and burr formation mechanism were showed because they represent an inevitable result in the microcutting process. In addition to the micro-milling process have been assessed in terms of important factors used in determining the quality of workpieces such as surface quality, burr formation, and cutting forces. In conclusion, this study investigated the important parameters in the micro-milling process and provided general information to compare the micro-milling with conventional milling.