Micro milling process modeling: a review

The trend towards miniature manufacturing in high technological fields like bioengineering, electronics and aerospace has increased dramatically over the last decade. Many methods of micro manufacturing have been researched and applied to manufacture small scale components. Among these manufacturing methods micro-mechanical machining methods have shown themselves to be attractive alternatives. Micro milling is one of the most frequently used micro-mechanical machining method with high potential for the precise manufacturing of complex parts. The aim of this work is to present the principal aspects related to micro milling technology, with emphasis on process modeling and quality of the finished product. A general view on process modeling starting from chip thickness models up to tool and workpiece machining induced distortion models is depicted. Specifically, different modeling techniques related to modeling of micro milling process are evaluated and important aspects that authors revealed during their research are presented. Finally, implications are discussed and suggestions for future research are presented.