Additive manufacturing of tools for lapping glass

Wesley B. Williams

doi:10.1117/12.2028699

15 October 2013 Additive manufacturing of tools for lapping glass

Wesley B. Williams

Proceedings Volume 8884, Optifab 2013; 88840M (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2028699
Event: SPIE Optifab, 2013, Rochester, New York, United States

Abstract

Additive manufacturing technologies have the ability to directly produce parts with complex geometries without the need for secondary processes, tooling or fixtures. This ability was used to produce concave lapping tools with a VFlash 3D printer from 3D Systems. The lapping tools were first designed in Creo Parametric with a defined constant radius and radial groove pattern. The models were converted to stereolithography files which the VFlash used in building the parts, layer by layer, from a UV curable resin. The tools were rotated at 60 rpm and used with 120 grit and 220 grit silicon carbide lapping paste to lap 0.750” diameter fused silica workpieces. The samples developed a matte appearance on the lapped surface that started as a ring at the edge of the workpiece and expanded to the center. This indicated that as material was removed, the workpiece radius was beginning to match the tool radius. The workpieces were then cleaned and lapped on a second tool (with equivalent geometry) using a 3000 grit corundum aluminum oxide lapping paste, until a near specular surface was achieved. By using lapping tools that have been additively manufactured, fused silica workpieces can be lapped to approach a specified convex geometry. This approach may enable more rapid lapping of near net shape workpieces that minimize the material removal required by subsequent polishing. This research may also enable development of new lapping tool geometry and groove patterns for improved loose abrasive finishing.

Citation Download Citation

Wesley B. Williams "Additive manufacturing of tools for lapping glass", Proc. SPIE 8884, Optifab 2013, 88840M (15 October 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2028699

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