TITLE: ADVANCED SURFACE MODIFICATION MACHINE

BACKGROUND:
The development was done as a project to increase the efficiency and productivity of specimen treatment. In this project, a novel surface modification technique was introduced. Ultrasonic Nanocrystalline Surface Modification (UNSM) technique which introduces a severe plastic deformation into a top surface layer of materials and refines coarse grains into nano-grains which increases significantly the strength of a material. This technique conventionally be classed with techniques that directly deform the surface with the use of ultrasonic vibrations. This technology was developed, patented (KR10-0894499, US8782902B2) and commercialized by DesignMecha Co., Ltd. (South Korea). This process has aroused considerable interest among engineers, materials scientists, etc. This interest reflects the benefits of the treatment; the small dimensions, high power and ease-of-use of the tools; good control of the treatment parameters; consistency; economic feasibility and safety; the wide range of practical applications.

There are many fundamental parameters influencing on the UNSM treatment effectiveness. These parameters as shown below have to be precisely and highly controlled and optimised by NC/CNC lathe and UNSM technique unit for each application for optimum benefit as well as are easily set and maintained. The UNSM technique unit might be installed onto NC and CNC machines in different and required positions. The UNSM treatment process could be performed on a standard NC/CNC lathe, which is retrofitted with a piezoelectric-actuated tool positioning stage.

Basic parameters which can be selected based on material are shown below:
• Amplitude
• Static load
• Lathe spindle speed
• Feed-rate of UNSM along with lathe carrier
• Tip (type and diameter)

PURPOSE OF A NEW DESIGN OF UNSM TECHNIQUE:
• The specimens can be treated in multi-directions
• Complex components can be treated easily
• Optimize a suitable treatment parameters for various materials can be defined easily
• Improve the effectiveness of UNSM technique
• Cost-effective and size reduction compared to currently available machine
• Can be used in a lab with the purpose of a research and development
• Impact force and amplitude sensors can be installed easily to investigate the output of a machine

EXPECTED RESULTS:
It can be expected by using this newly developed machine that the effectiveness of UNSM technique can be increased significantly compared to the existing machine since the optimum treatment parameters for various materials can be defined easily. This machine can be utilized for the purpose of research and development, while measurement sensors cannot be installed onto the existing machine. The setting of specimens and treatment process can be done relatively in a short time. Complex components can be treated easily. Also, this machine is a user-friendly surface modification technique which does not require more help and assistance from other users.

Fig 1. 2D drawing of a newly developed UNSM machine
Fig 2. 3D rendering of a newly developed UNSM machine
Fig 3. Appearance of a newly developed UNSM machine