Objective
In making tooling involved in the production of very high accuracy engineering components, abrasive particles have to be positioned into pre-formed moulds which themselves are of extremely high accuracy. Currently the particles are hand placed into films of adhesive applied to the mould, but its inconsistent thickness leads to inaccuracies of the finished product between 2 and 5 Microns. By avoiding the use of a preapplied adhesive film and positioning the abrasive particles directly on the mould surface the accuracy can be improved by an order of magnitude. The research required will investigate the electrostatic properties of various particles and surfaces and develop the technology for achieving optimum deposition. Selected combinations of electrostatic and mechanical forces will be assessed. Mathematical modelling of the system performance will be derived and this model will then be tested by experimental assessment. In making tooling involved in the production of very high accuracy engineering components, abrasive particles have to be positioned into pre-formed moulds which themselves are of extremely high accuracy. Currently the particles are hand placed into films of adhesive applied to the mould, but its inconsistent thickness leads to inaccuracies of the finished product between 2 and 5 Microns. By avoiding the use of a preapplied adhesive film and positioning the abrasive particles directly on the mould surface the accuracy can be improved by an order of magnitude. The research required will investigate the electrostatic properties of various particles and surfaces and develop the technology for achieving optimum deposition. Selected combinations of electrostatic and mechanical forces will be assessed. Mathematical modelling of the system performance will be derived and this model will then be tested by experimental assessment.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
EAW - Exploratory awardsCoordinator
LL18 5JA Rhyl
United Kingdom