Transparent brittle materials such as glass and silicon dioxide have begun to replace the conventional materials due to the advantageous properties including high strength and hardness, resistance to corrosion, wear, chemicals and heat, high electrical isolation, low optical absorption, large optical transmission range and biocompatibility. However because these materials are extremely hard and brittle, development of an ideal machining process has been a challenge for researchers. Non-traditional machining processes such as abrasive jet and ultrasonic machining have improved machining quality but these processes typically results with issues of poor surface integrity, high tool wear and low productivity. Therefore a machining technique that overcomes the disadvantages of existing methods must be developed. This study focused primarily on improving the machinability and attaining crack-free machined surfaces on transparent brittle materials by inducing micro cracks or seed damages on the subsurface of the materials. The hypothesis was that micro-cracks induced by femtosecond laser would synergistically assist the material removal process by a cutting tool by weakening or softening the material, followed by conventional machining process. Laser induced damages due to varying laser intensities and at different depths in bulk BK7 glass was studied in order to select the optimal laser machining conditions for the experiments. Dimensional and structural profiles of laser cracks are observed using an optical microscope. A comparative study of machined untreated BK7 samples and damage induced BK7 samples was conducted. Due to its simple process kinematics and tool geometry, orthogonal machining is used for the study. Results showed that machining laser-treated samples caused an average 75% force reduction on comparison to machining of untreated samples. Laser treated machined samples were produced without subsurface damages, and reduced tool wear was noted. Overall improved machinability of BK7 glass samples was achieved.

The Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing (JMMP) aims to provide an international forum for the documentation and dissemination of recent, original, and significant research studies in the analysis of processes, equipment, systems, and materials related to material heat treatment, solidification, deformation, addition, removal, welding, and accretion for the industrial fabrication and production of parts, components, and products. The JMMP was established in 2017 and has published more than 300 contributions. It has been listed in the ESCI, Inspec (IET), and Scopus (Elsevier). In celebration of the anniversary of the JMMP, the Editorial Office has put together this Special Issue, which includes several representative papers that reflect the vibrant growth and dynamic trend of research in this field.

Micro and Nanoscale Laser Processing of Hard Brittle Materials examines general laser-material interactions within this type of material, focusing on the nanoprocessing technologies that these phenomena have given rise to. Sections cover laser machining, healing, recovery, sintering, surface modification, texturing and microstructuring. These technologies all benefit from the characteristics of laser processing, its highly localized heating ability, and its well-defined optical properties. The book also describes frontier applications of the developed technologies, thus further emphasizing the possibility of processing hard brittle materials into complex structures with functional surfaces at both the micro and nanoscale. Provides readers with a solid understanding of laser-material interactions Helps readers choose suitable laser parameters for processing hard brittle materials Demonstrates how micro and nanoscale laser processing can be used to machine brittle materials without fracture

Proceedings of SPIE present the original research papers presented at SPIE conferences and other high-quality conferences in the broad-ranging fields of optics and photonics. These books provide prompt access to the latest innovations in research and technology in their respective fields. Proceedings of SPIE are among the most cited references in patent literature.

Micro electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM) is a thermo-electric and contactless process most suited for micro-manufacturing and high-precision machining, especially when difficult-to-cut materials, such as super alloys, composites, and electro conductive ceramics, are processed. Many industrial domains exploit this technology to fabricate highly demanding components, such as high-aspect-ratio micro holes for fuel injectors, high-precision molds, and biomedical parts. Moreover, the continuous trend towards miniaturization and high precision functional components boosted the development of control strategies and optimization methodologies specifically suited to address the challenges in micro- and nano-scale fabrication. This Special Issue showcases 12 research papers and a review article focusing on novel methodological developments on several aspects of micro electrical discharge machining: machinability studies of hard materials (TiNi shape memory alloys, Si3N4-TiN ceramic composite, ZrB2-based ceramics reinforced with SiC fibers and whiskers, tungsten-cemented carbide, Ti-6Al-4V alloy, duplex stainless steel, and cubic boron nitride), process optimization adopting different dielectrics or electrodes, characterization of mechanical performance of processed surface, process analysis, and optimization via discharge pulse-type discrimination, hybrid processes, fabrication of molds for inflatable so���� microactuators, and implementation of low-cost desktop micro- EDM system.

Femtosecond laser micromachining of transparent material is a powerful and versatile technology. In fact, it can be applied to several materials. It is a maskless technology that allows rapid device prototyping, has intrinsic three-dimensional capabilities and can produce both photonic and microfluidic devices. For these reasons it is ideally suited for the fabrication of complex microsystems with unprecedented functionalities. The book is mainly focused on micromachining of transparent materials which, due to the nonlinear absorption mechanism of ultrashort pulses, allows unique three-dimensional capabilities and can be exploited for the fabrication of complex microsystems with unprecedented functionalities.This book presents an overview of the state of the art of this rapidly emerging topic with contributions from leading experts in the field, ranging from principles of nonlinear material modification to fabrication techniques and applications to photonics and optofluidics.