<p>This thesis presents the proof-of-concept of electro-erosion edge (EE) honing as a novel edge preparation process that is based on micro-shaping of the cutting edges of metal cutting tools by electro discharge machining (EDM). This process in its simplest form is first applied to straight edge high speed steel cutting tools which results in a four-fold enhancement in the lives of these tools as compared to the sharp unprepared ones. In the next step the EE-honing application is expanded to hone carbide tools of a complex geometry through the innovative idea of using foil counterfaces. Foil counterface ensures the uniform processing of the entire edge length irrespective of macrogeometric complexities such as curvilinear cutting edges and nose radii. By employing this technique, cutting tools of a complex geometry can be prepared with only 13% edge radius variation which is significantly lower than 40% variation reported for conventional edge preparation processes. ED-machining of cemented carbides necessitates the systematic identification of optimal process parameters to preserve process stability and surface integrity. It is shown that by the application of optimal EE-honing process parameters, EE-honed tools achieved the same life of conventionally prepared ones with the same radii. The advent of advanced edge preparation techniques like EE-honing process has led to the emergence of engineered cutting edge microgeometries most of which cannot be represented by a single edge radius value. In this regard, a novel idea of using parametric quadratic curves for comprehensive cutting edge characterization is presented in the next part of this thesis. The free-knot B-spline approximation enables the unique identification of cutting edge separation points from the clearance and rake faces. Subsequent to the edge identification, quadratic parametric polynomials are employed to characterize the cutting edge by four characterization parameters. These parameters are contour-based and easy to visualize. As the final part of the thesis, the EE-honing process is simulated numerically to gain a better insight into the process. Simulation can model the generation of symmetrical and asymmetrical edges and predict edge geometry with the maximum of 14% error.</p> / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/12696 |
| Date | 10 1900 |
| Creators | Zarif, Yussefian Nima |
| Contributors | Koshy, Philip, Ng, E., Mechanical Engineering |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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