Nanometric machining

Deterministic mechanical nanometric machining. This method utilizes fixed and controlled tools, which can specify the profiles of three-dimensional (3D) components by a well-defined tool surface and path. The method can remove materials in amounts as small as tens of nanometers. It typically includes diamond turning, miCTomilling and nano/microgrinding, etc. 

Loose abrasive nanometric machining. This method uses loose abrasive grits to remove a small amount of materials. It consists of polishing, lapping and honing, etc. 

Nonmechanical nanometric machining. It comprises focused ion beam machining, micro-Electro Dischaige Machining (EDM), and excimer laser machining. 

Scientific study of nanometric machining has been undertaken since the late 1990s, especially with the advance of nanotechnology [50]. Scientific study will result in the formation of the theoretical basis of nanometric machining, which enables the better understanding of nanometric machining physics and the development of its controllable techniques to meet the advanced requirements for nanotechnology and nanoscience. 

MD simulations of the nanometric machining process (cutting speed = 20m/s, depth of cut = 1.4nm, and cutting edge radius = 0.35nm) [57]. 

In nanometric machining the microstructure of the workpiece material will play an important role in affecting the machining accuracy and machined surface quality. For example, when machining polycrystalline materials the difference in the elastic coefficients at the grain boundary and interior of the grain causes small steps to form on the cut surface, since the respective elastic rebound varies [59]. The study by Lee... 

A material s destructive behavior can also be affected by nanometric machining. In nanometric machining of brittle materials it is possible to produce plastically deformed... 

Table 7.7 The Comparison of Nanometric Machining with Conventional Machining [53]...

Table 7.7 summarizes the comparison of nanometric machining and conventional machining in all major aspects of cutting mechanics and physics. 

The comparison highlighted in the table is by no means comprehensive, but rather provides a starting point for further study on the physics of nanometric machining. 

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