Dynamic variable depth of cut machining using piezoelectric actuators

This paper describes the design of a piezoelectric actuated cutting tool and implementation of digital servo controls for machining surfaces with dynamically varying depth of cut. Through a flexure hinge, the tool holder could generate 50 μm travel at the tip of the cutting insert. Tool motion errors of less than 0.5 μm were achieved in tracking cyclic waveforms by employing a digital repetitive servo control. When applied to turning aluminum and steel workpieces with variable depth of cut using carbide tools, less than 5 μm machined surface errors were measured.