Abstract
This paper describes the development of a piezoelectric micropress and its application to the blanking of thin sheet metals. As is generally known, the piezoelectric actuator is excellent for precise positioning, so device development of a precise micropress using a piezoelectric actuator for light processing is feasible. However, as the elongation of the actuator itself is limited to several micro-meters, an additional mechanism is necessary to gain longer displacement sufficient for press work. In this investigation, a structure known as a “two-stage differential action amplitude magnifying mechanism” is used to gain a displacement sufficient to press-work the sheet metals. The design conditions for the mechanism available for the press are considered, and the detailed dimensions are determined by FFM analysis. The micropress simply consists of the mechanism mentioned above, actuators, driver, and blanking die. The characteristics of the press developed are investigated, and results show that the specifications are slightly different from design values, but the press capacity of 130N generated force and 300μm stroke is quite sufficient to perform the blanking tests planned previously. Actual burr-free blanking tests requiring accurate positioning of the punch are performed, and perfectly burr-free blanked products are obtained by means of the micropress developed.
