A method for generating micro shafts with diameters of less than 1 mm in turning operations was proposed previously. In this method, to generate micro shafts, it is important to maintain a thrust force of zero. In addition, a method for controlling thrust forces by appropriately setting the tool approach angle and depth of cut is discussed. In the previously proposed method, however, tool depth of cut must be set to given values corresponding to the tool approach angle and then the setting of the turning process is restricted. In this report, geometrical shapes of cutting edges which can control the thrust forces to a value of zero independent of the tool approach angle are discussed. The results showed that by designing appropriate geometrical shapes of cutting edges, thrust forces can be controlled to zero independent of the depth of cut.

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The multi-wire saw is used for processing of silicon wafers for solar cells or IC. This slicing method uses the working fluid mixed abrasive grains called slurry. Therefore, the compositions or the supply states of slurry affect the processing characteristics of the multi-wire saw. In the work descent type of multi-wire saw, it is difficult to supply the slurry directly to the processing area, and the slurry actions affect the processing characteristics. This study treated the supplying methods to prevent air into the slicing groves. In addition, the slurry actions in slicing grooves were observed using a high-speed video camera. This study examined two supply methods involving dipping and using a supply assistant board.

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This paper proposes a new and effective in-process electrolytic dressing method for metal bond wheels using a metallic flexible fluid supply sheet instead of a conventional solid electrode. This method allows us to choose a large electrode area and realization of easy gap control as the clearance between the electrodes can be adjusted automatically. First, we clarified the relationship of the gap between the wheel and the flexible sheet electrode with sheet length to actual electrolytic current, and then studied the condition of the electrolytic dressing to investigate the fundamental characteristics of this method. Second, we applied this method in a practical grinding experiment using a metal bonded diamond wheel. The results indicated that the rising grinding resistance was suppressed and the surface roughness of the ground workpiece was improved by this method.

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