Influence of different steel alloys on the machining results in ultrasonic assisted diamond turning

This publication focuses on the ultra precision manufacturing of hardened steel parts with single crystal diamond tools for optical applications such as injection moulding. Nowadays optical steel moulds are nickel plated, in order to be able to machine the surface with single crystalline diamond tools. One technology that has proven its potential for replacing this procedure is the ultrasonic assisted diamond turning technique. This process allows direct machining of hardened steel with single crystal diamond tools, which is conventionally not possible due to the high tool wear. The ultrasonic assisted diamond turning process is applied in order to machine different steel alloys that are conventionally used for mould manufacturing in injection moulding. The goal is to analyze the influence of the steel alloy and the material microstructure on the machining results. The presented analysis show the capabilities of this new technology and opens the door for it to compete with established manufacturing processes, such as the manufacturing of nickel plated mold inserts.