“World’s
first ultra-precision electro-mechanical drilling device
for computer numerically controlled lathes” –
Ultra-precision deep holes 0.1-5mm diameter
– Increases drilling productivity up to 5x
Product Summary M4 Sciences’ goal is to develop and commercialize
TriboMAM, the world’s first CNC Swiss-type lathe
attachment for precision, small-scale deep-hole drilling.
The company is initially focused on the biotechnology
applications that require drilling of small diameter,
deep holes (approximately 0.100−5.0mm in diameter,
with length-to-diameter ratios of L/D~10-100) in
difficult-to-machine materials such as stainless
steel, titanium and tantalum.
James Mann, CEO of M4 Sciences, recently
designed a prototype MAM device (U.S. Patent Pending)
that is the foundation of TriboMAM. The original prototype
design was an extension of a special machine-tool platform
built around linear motors and piezo actuators at Purdue
University. TriboMAM can be installed directly into
the Swiss-lathe tool posts to radically improve drilling
performance. The system configuration is capable of
modulation in a variety of machining processes (e.g.,
drilling, turning, boring, parting/cut-off, trepanning,
and broaching). The product features include:
•
TriboMAM
is a drop in accessory that replaces cylindrical
tool holders in CNC Swiss-type lathes
•
A
lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezo-electric
actuator vibrates the drill tool up to 1000
Hz with 0-200µm amplitude
•
Controls
are external and do not require modifications
to the CNC machine
•
A
standard ER-8 collet holds drill tools 0.100mm
to 5mm diameter
•
A
special channel accommodates through-tool fluid
application during drilling
Functional Benefits
TriboMAM significantly alters the mechanics and costs
of the machining process. Testing of the special modulation-assisted
machining (MAM) platforms and the prototype TriboMAM
device has shown a number of benefits pertaining to
chip control friction reduction, enhancement of fluid
lubrication, and reduction in temperature and tool
wear in drilling difficult to machine materials such
as titanium, tantalum, and stainless steel.
•
Low-cost
method of enabling MAM technology;
•
Increased
drill feed-rates up to five times faster
than current drilling technology;
•
Enhanced
lubrication that reduces temperatures and
tool wear;
•
Controlled
breakage of drilled material (chips);
•
Easy
evacuation of drilled chips and chip handling;
•
Drilling
meso-scale, deep holes economically in difficult-to-machine
materials;
Device Features Piezo-electric actuator, Portable "drop-in" tool
holder, and a Stand-alone control system
M4
Sciences Purdue Research Park
3000 Kent Avenue
W. Lafayette, IN 47906
