Simulation and Experimental Study on the Surface Generation Mechanism of Cu Alloys in Ultra-Precision Diamond Turning

The surface generation mechanism of the Cu alloys in ultra-precision diamond turning is investigated by both simulation and experimental methods, where the effects of the cutting parameters on the surface characteristics are explored, including the workpiece spindle speed, the cutting depth, the feed rate and the nose radius of the diamond tool. To verify the built model, the cutting experiments are conducted at selected parameters, where the causes of the error between the simulation and the machining results are analyzed, including the effects of the materials microstructure and the diamond tool wear. In addition, the nanometric surface characteristics of the Cu alloys after the diamond turning are identified, including the finer scratching grooves caused by the tool wear, the formation of the surface burs and the adhesion of graphite. The results show that the built model can be basically used to predict the surface topography for the selection of the appropriate machining parameters in the ultra-precision diamond turning process.