Design and characterization of a micro quick-stop device

Among the available micromachining processes, micro mechanical machining is well appreciated for its versatility, which has let to its application in a wide range of industrial fields. However, basic research is still needed to investigate the tool-material interaction and the chip formation at the microscale. The so-called quick-stop experiments can be exploited to carry out this kind of studies since they allow to freeze the cutting action and to study the ongoing phenomena. A new micro quick-stop device (QSD) has been designed to fit the typical microscale cutting requirements and to be equipped with systems and sensors suitable to certify each quick-stop experiment. This device has been validated by means of a campaign of performance measurements.