Design and fabrication of the MesoMill : a five-axis milling machine for meso-scaled parts

Abstract

With the increased prevalence of meso-scaled products, new tools are being developed to bridge the gap between fabrication processes tailored for micrometer and millimeter sized features. Compared to its traditional counterpart, a small machine tool designed for meso-scale could potentially have a smaller overall footprint, shorter structural loop and lower cost than a conventional machine; in addition, a small machine presents opportunities for improved machine metrology, and easier environmental control. This paper describes the design of the MesoMill: a test machine designed to evaluate the use of components new to the design of machining centers including wire capstan drives, ball-screw splines, and an air bearing spindle with an integral Z-axis.