Ultraprecision machining of polymers

Abstract The single-point diamond machining of several polymeric materials has been investigated. The final surface structure and roughness of the workpiece is determined by well-established fundamentals of polymer mechanics. Material is removed via ductile, brittle, or transitional mechanisms that depend on polymer properties such as glass transition temperature, relaxation time, degree of crosslinking, and viscosity. For some materials, the mechanism could be changed from ductile to brittle with a change of operating and tool parameters. In brittle materials, the surface roughness is largely controlled by the rake face angle of the diamond. For ductile workpieces, the melt viscosity of the polymer is important. Crosslinked materials are restricted from ductile behavior by the presence of chemical bonds. As a result, material removal occurs by rupture or an extreme fracture process. With an understanding of polymer behavior, suitability of new materials for single-point diamond machining can be assessed. The change of successful processing within the operating range of the tool can be determined with a minimum number of trial and error experiments.