https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202328709021
Development of flexible polishing tools for synchro-speed polishing processes using additive manufacturing
1 Ernst-Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena, Carl-Zeiss-Promenade 2, 07745 Jena, Germany
2 Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Werdenbergstraße 4, 9471 Buchs, Switzerland
3 Satisloh GmbH, Wilhelm -Loh-Straße 2-4, 35578 Wetzlar, Germany
4 Technische Universität Ilmenau, Ehrenbergstrasse 29, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany
* Corresponding author: Christian.Schulze@eah-jena.de
Published online: 18 October 2023
A new concept for synchro-speed polishing of flat and spherical surfaces is introduced: 3D printed gradient index (GRIN) polishing tools. By using additive manufacturing technologies in combination with photopolymer plastics, GRIN tools can be fabricated that are individually adapted to the workpiece geometry. By using two different plastics, the hardness and therefore the removal rate of certain tool areas can be defined. Surface structures, benefiting material removal rate and tool wear rate, are possible as well as lightweight structures with high mechanically stability. Tools can be fabricated as thin foils as well as solid pads, ranging from small (few mm) to large diameters. Additionally, the pads can be fabricated with an individual radius. This can enable the replacement of radius-dependent tool holders, because the pads can be mounted on flat tool interfaces, since the radius is not dependent from the tool body anymore. First results from the experimental setup are showing, that by using GRIN foils similar surface quality results can be achieved in comparison to conventional polyurethane foils, while the GRIN foils are offering a lot more possibilities regarding process optimization.
© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2023
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
