Development of a Novel Micro-Punching Machine Using Proportional Solenoid

摘要

In this paper, a novel micro-punching machine is developed by using proportional solenoids. This machine is suitable for mass production of precision micro holes. The machining of accurate micro holes is always crucial in developing new products in various fields of precision machining industry. However, the traditional manufacturing methods that generally incorporate multiple steps of machining are time-consuming and unsuitable for mass production. On the contrary, a distinct feature of the newly developed micro-punching machine is able to fabricate the micro holes directly. The utilization of a proportional solenoid as the power unit of the micro-punching machine is a new attempt. The proportional solenoid is chosen because of some distinct merits including low cost, short working stroke and the linear controllable magnetic output force. Finally, a series of experiments are carried out to punch holes of diameters 100 μm and 200 μm on a stainless steel strip of thickness 100 μm. The experimental results indicate that the utilization of the proportional solenoid as the power unit is successful.