Precision & Micromanufacturing

[Course code: MEL7430]

By,
Ankur Gupta
IIT Jodhpur
Why to study this course?
To understand the demand of industries for μ-manufacturing
Demand of various types of materials (metallic, ceramics and plastics) is increasing day by day. Miniature parts have
applications in various industries like electronics, medicine, communication, avionics and others. Some of the examples of
the products that require μ-manufacturing are micro holes in fiber optics, micro nozzles for high temperature jets, micro
molds etc.

To understand the non conventional approaches for manufacturing (specially at small scale)
Various conventional methods (turning, drilling, etc.) with modified versions have been employed for micro-machining of
various types of materials. In case of advanced machining processes, material is removed at micro level either by
mechanical means (USM, AJM, MAF), thermal erosion (EBM, LBM), anodic dissolution (ECM), chemical reaction or
combination of two or more than two processes, called hybrid machining.

To understand precision engineering concepts

Micromachining can be placed in the group of precision machining and ultraprecision machining. μ-machining can be
divided into two categories like bulk μ-machining where comparatively large amount of material is removed when
compared with surface μ- machining where the objective is mainly to improve surface finish in the sub-micron range.
What is Precision?

Source: Google Videos

 What is the difference between Accuracy and Precision

In measurement of a set, accuracy is

closeness of the measurements to a
specific value, while precision is the
closeness of the measurements to
each other.

Source: Google Images

 Useful definition is that found within the Constitution of the American Society of Precision Engineering (ASPE).

“Precision Engineering is a discipline encompassing the design, development, and measurement of and for high-accuracy
components. By extension, the field also includes the design of systems in which high dimensional accuracy is a central
concern, as well as the design of machine tools and measuring machines to accomplish the necessary manufacture and
measurement.”

Progress in machining accuracy

The critical elements of manufacturing that need to be maintained from a precision manufacturing point of view are
summarized (by McKeown) as follows:

• To promote assembly especially in automatic assembly

• To improve interchangeability of components
• To improve quality control through higher machine accuracy capabilities and hence reduce scrap, rework, and
conventional inspection
• To achieve longer wear/fatigue life of components
• To achieve greater “miniaturization and packing densities”
• To achieve further advances in technology and science.
Objectives
The instructor will :
1. teach important topics in precision, micro (small scale) manufacturing based on the fundamentals enabling
technologies.

Learning Outcomes
The students are expected to have the ability to:
1. understand the design and process issues associated with precision manufacturing processes and the fabrication of
precision components.
2. Learn to provide conceptual design solution to a precision fabrication operating in the small scale range.
3. understand various fabrication techniques in manufacturing micrometer scaled devices and systems of complicated
geometry.
 Matter to read
Reference Books
1. R. L. Murthy, “Precision engineering manufacturing", New Age International, 2005.
2. M. V. Suryaprakash, ”Precision Engineering” Narosa publications.
3. V C Venkatesh ,”Precision Engineering” McGraw HILL Publications
4. Hiromu Nakazawa, ”Principles of precision engineering”, Oxford University Press
5. Introduction To Micromachining , V. K. Jain (Editor) Published By Narosa Publishers, New Delhi (2009). (Second Edition)
6. Micromanufacturing Processes By V. K. JAIN (Editor), CRC PRESS.
7. Advanced Machining Processes By V.K Jain , Allied Publishers, New Delhi.
8. Micromachining Methods By J.A. Mc GEOUGH, CHAMPAN AND HALL, LONODON

Online Course Material:

1. Link to online book: http://library1.org/_ads/A893BCE522D62C29FFB1D4CED8405ED4
2. https://nptel.ac.in/syllabus/112104028/

Other relevant materials given by the instructor

 60% Exam based evaluation
Marking Scheme for this course
40% Continuous evaluation

Please note that assignment 1, 2 may also be surprise quizzes, Viva voce etc..
Thank You