Production of Fine Short-length Metal Fibres Using Self-excited Vibration of an Elastic Tool

Abstract

Fine short-length metal fibres are considered to have various applications such as fibrous composite materials, but existing methods of producing such fibres are inefficient and costly. A new manufacturing process, named “Chatter Machining”, of fine short-length metal fibres using self-excited vibration of an elastic tool in the lathe turning is proposed here. This Chatter Machining makes it possible to produce fine metal fibres, with diameter varying from 10 μm to 250 μm and with length from 0. 5 mm to 20 mm, directly from most kinds of round metal bar efficiently and inexpensively. The mechanism of fibre formation in Chatter Machining is described, based on experimental results.