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Desktop Machining Microfactory
A desktop microfactory, which we believe to be the first of it's type in the world, has been developed at the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory. The microfactory measures 70 x 50 cm, and uses minature manipulators and machine tools including a lathe, a milling machine, a press, a transfer arm for miniature components, and a two fingered micro-hand.
In order to demonstrate the machining, transfer, and assembly capability of the system we manufactured a microminiature pivot ball bearing consisting of a housing containing bearing balls and a rotating shaft. The lathe was used to produce rotary shafts with diameters of 100μm and 500μm. The milling machine was used to manufacture the bearing housing which has 900μm outside diameter and 700μm inside diameter. The cover for the bearing housing was made from 120μm thick sheet using the press. The microfactory is divided into a maching zone and an assembly zone which are separated by l80mm, and machined components are transported between the zones using an arm with a negative pressure gripper. At the assembly zone, the two-fingered micro-hand was used to assemble the balls (200μm diameter) and shaft into the housing and mount the cover in place.
produced by General Research Counselor
