Modular desktop machining center with shape memory actuation

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Considering the current state of scientific and technical knowledge, there is mismatch between size of machine tools used for micro manufacturing and size of the manufactured work pieces. Current machine concepts are derived from scaling conventional components down to cope with increasingly small parts. The aim of this project is to develop innovative direct drives with smart materials. Through the elimination of major parts of the usual drive chain for machine tools, technical and economic advantages can be achieved. The modular shape memory actuators developed in the first funding period can accomplish precise displacements of a few micrometers and can be combined to a machine tool with dimensions of less than half a meter. Because of the drives modular structure, the components can be manufactured and maintained economically. During the second funding period, these drives will be developed further based on the previous findings and new functions will be included. The focus lies on configuring a machine tool out of different modules to gain an improved flexibility. Through choosing suitable components, the machine can be fully customized to fit the machining task at hand. Further developments in the control of shape memory actuators will increase the spectrum of parts which can be produced. Furthermore, extra modules will be added to allow for more degrees of freedom during the manufacturing of complex structures. At the end of the project, all modules will be included in a prototype to validate technical and economic advantages.