Stephen Veldhuis, McMaster University
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Professor
Hamilton, Ontario
veldhu@mcmaster.ca
Office:
(905) 525-9140 ext. 27044
Expert In
Bio/Research
My current research interests lie in the area of high performance manufacturing, specifically ultra precision machining, tool design, hard PVD coatings and Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine tools, as well as inspection, metrology and Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM) equipment. The...
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Bio/Research
My current research interests lie in the area of high performance manufacturing, specifically ultra precision machining, tool design, hard PVD coatings and Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine tools, as well as inspection, metrology and Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM) equipment. These processes cover a wide range of manufacturing processes in Canada.
Research activity in the area of modeling and simulation is driven by the significant productivity gains that can be achieved through the optimization of processes. Improvements in tool design, surface engineering of tools, fixturing and process parameter selection are possible through detailed modeling and process simulation. The use of advanced sensing, remote monitoring and intelligent control also have a significant impact on manufacturing operations. These areas offer the ability to exploit the capability of a machine tool or process to its full potential.
Work in machine tool accuracy is driven by the fact that final product quality is dependent on the quality of the machine. Thus by improving the accuracy and repeatability of a machine tool, final product quality can be improved. Recently with the addition of the new micromachining lab at the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute, research has focused on machining issues of importance to micro cutting. Many issues take on new meaning when machining at these levels of accuracy and surface finish.
When studying machining it is vital to build an understanding of the underlying physics of the cutting process. Cutting is characterized by the interaction of the surfaces of the tool with the workpiece. Coating has a large impact on the performance of a tool due to its ability to change the friction and high temperature properties of the tool. Achieving a high degree of tribological compatibility between the tool and workpiece can result in extended life of the tool. In some cases, a near biological interaction at the surfaces can be achieved where materials adapt to protect and thus prolong the life of a tool.
The stresses in the cutting zone are determined by the deformation characteristics of the material under high temperature and extremely high strain rates. The stress distribution in the cutting region, acting over the geometry of the tool, generates the forces between the machine and the workpiece. The response of the system to this dynamic excitation force then determines the final part dimension and surface finish.
When a final part is created, issues related to characterizing its dimension and surface properties in relation to part specifications and final product function must be defined. Recently, complex freeform surfaces are being increasingly used in the aerospace and power generation industries. Inspection strategies specifically developed to optimally scanning these complex freeform surfaces is required. Once this data is available, a robust means of interpreting and utilizing it in the production process is vital to improving the manufacturing processes involved.
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Research activity in the area of modeling and simulation is driven by the significant productivity gains that can be achieved through the optimization of processes. Improvements in tool design, surface engineering of tools, fixturing and process parameter selection are possible through detailed modeling and process simulation. The use of advanced sensing, remote monitoring and intelligent control also have a significant impact on manufacturing operations. These areas offer the ability to exploit the capability of a machine tool or process to its full potential.
Work in machine tool accuracy is driven by the fact that final product quality is dependent on the quality of the machine. Thus by improving the accuracy and repeatability of a machine tool, final product quality can be improved. Recently with the addition of the new micromachining lab at the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute, research has focused on machining issues of importance to micro cutting. Many issues take on new meaning when machining at these levels of accuracy and surface finish.
When studying machining it is vital to build an understanding of the underlying physics of the cutting process. Cutting is characterized by the interaction of the surfaces of the tool with the workpiece. Coating has a large impact on the performance of a tool due to its ability to change the friction and high temperature properties of the tool. Achieving a high degree of tribological compatibility between the tool and workpiece can result in extended life of the tool. In some cases, a near biological interaction at the surfaces can be achieved where materials adapt to protect and thus prolong the life of a tool.
The stresses in the cutting zone are determined by the deformation characteristics of the material under high temperature and extremely high strain rates. The stress distribution in the cutting region, acting over the geometry of the tool, generates the forces between the machine and the workpiece. The response of the system to this dynamic excitation force then determines the final part dimension and surface finish.
When a final part is created, issues related to characterizing its dimension and surface properties in relation to part specifications and final product function must be defined. Recently, complex freeform surfaces are being increasingly used in the aerospace and power generation industries. Inspection strategies specifically developed to optimally scanning these complex freeform surfaces is required. Once this data is available, a robust means of interpreting and utilizing it in the production process is vital to improving the manufacturing processes involved.
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