Study of the feeding mechanism and influential parameters in strip feeding in micro-stamping

Precise feeding is necessary to ensure that precise micro-parts can be produced in multi-stage micro-stamping, while high-speed feeding is essential for high-throughput production. A series of tests were conducted on a micro servo roll feeder to qualify its accuracy and precision as to study the feasibility of this kind of feeder to serve for high precision feeding in a micro-forming process. Non-contact measurement by an optical linear encoder was used to establish the required measurements. Several parameters were manipulated to create various test conditions; feed distance, feeding speed/frequency, changes on strip thickness and materials and lastly by introducing lubrication into the system. Experimental results revealed poor accuracy and low repeatability (precision) for the micro servo roll feeder tested. The results also revealed that stiffer material tends to give a better accuracy level compared to a less stiff material. The results were used as a reference for the development of a new feeder for micro-sheet-forming.