Machining Characteristics of Cylindrical Blasting and Application to Micro Patterning

Micro patterning on cylindrical surface, e.g. dynamic pressure bearings, is mainly carried out by chemical etching. However, there exist environmental problems in the waste etchant processing and safety ones in works using toxic chemical liquids. On the other hands, blasting is expected as one of micro patterning methods and comes into use for not only surface modification but also machining of hard and brittle materials. The purpose of this study is to develop the micro blasting technique for cylindrical parts. Therefore, machining characteristics in blasting of rotating workpieces are experimentally investigated, analyzing the stock removal and the surface roughness. In addition, the patterning of micro herringbone grooves are carried out on spindle surfaces based on the obtained characteristics.