Prototype of Force-Controlled Tool Electrode Holder for Lathe-Type Electrochemical Discharge Machine

Abstract

A prototype of a tool electrode holder driven with a voice coil motor (VCM) was fabricated to contact a tool electrode with a workpiece at a small thrust force in a lathe-type electrochemical discharge machine. The top and bottom of a plunger on which the tool electrode was mounted was supported with thin leaf springs so that the tool electrode was fed in only the axial direction. The relationship among the shift of the tool electrode, the driving current of the VCM and the thrust force was calibrated. Then the driving current of the VCM was determined based on the relationship at a present shift of the tool electrode. A thrust force of 0.05 N was stably applied.