Micro-cutting characteristics of EDM fabricated high-precision polycrystalline diamond tools

To fabricate three-dimensional microstructures, such as micro dimples, micro grooves and micro channels, on ceramic mold materials, tool fabrication with super hard materials is an essential step. In this work, micro electro discharge machining (EDM) was used to fabricate high-precision polycrystalline diamond end mills. Form accuracy and edge sharpness in one micron level were achieved by utilizing electro discharge induced graphitization of diamond grains under extremely low discharge energy conditions. The cutting performance of the fabricated tools was examined by machining micro dimples and micro grooves on tungsten carbide mold substrates. Results showed that using the EDM-fabricated tools, ductile mode machining of tungsten carbide was realized with a surface finish of 2 nm R-a, which is comparable to that produced by polishing. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.