Burr formation and control for polymers micro-milling: A case study with vortex tube cooling

Micro-machining of different polymer based components often require high precision and excellent surface quality at high production rates with low costs. Micro-milling is a cost-efficient micro-machining process capable of generating complex shapes in a wide range of materials. Challenges based on size effect, burr formation and adequate chip removal must be faced and are addressed in this research. Material removal mechanisms, as well as its impact on burr formation and control are reviewed, followed by a case study through the application of gaseous cooling based on vortex tubes. Different vortex generator configurations were tested, proving to be fast response an economically-friendly alternative for burr reduction while micro-milling biopolymers. Configurations, as mentioned above, were used for biopolymer micro-milling towards burr measurement after each test; achieving as a result, a burr reduction while cooling temperature decreases.