Machining Characteristics in Cylindrical Blasting of Micro Grooves and Performance of Herring-Bone Bearing

Abstract

The micro patterning on a cylindrical surface is conventionally carried out by electrochemical machining, chemical etching, cutting and so on. However, there exists some problems in machining dimensional errors and tool lives. On the other hand, blasting is expected as one of micro fabrication methods and progresses to apply for machining of hard and brittle materials. The purpose of this study is to develop the micro blasting technique for patterning of micro herring-bone grooves on spindle surfaces of the fluid dynamic bearings. Then, machining characteristics in blasting of rotating workpieces are experimentally investigated, analyzing stock removals, burr heights and groove shapes. In addition, micro herring-bone grooves are patterned on spindle surfaces by blasting and the performance of herring-bone bearings are evaluated. The herring-bone bearings with micro grooves patterned on a spindle surface by blasting have enough performance, compared with conventional ones.