Parametric glass milling with simultaneous control

Parametric glass milling is presented to machine periodical circular channels on the glass plates for manufacturing micro testing devices. An end mill traverses in the linear motion during the workpiece rotation, which are synchronized by simultaneous control. The glass milling is controlled by 4 parameters in a mathematical model without NC program. Based on the principle of the parametric machining and the effect of the cutter axis inclination on the cutting process, a milling machine was developed to perform the parametric glass milling with an inclined ball end mill. The cutter axis inclination and the actual feed rate are associated with the critical feed rate, the maximum feed rate at which a crack-free surface is finished. As a machining example, a periodical circular channel was machined with a transparent surface by the simultaneous control.

► We present a parametric glass milling for manufacturing of micro channels.
► Parametric milling is controlled by a few parameters in a mathematical equation.
► The effect of the cutter axis inclination on glass milling is discussed.
► A milling machine was developed for the parametric glass milling.
► Periodical circular channels are machined with crack-free surfaces.