Micro texture fabrication by a non-resonant vibration generator

Surface texturing with designed micro-structures exhibits numerous novel functional characteristics and features as compared to ordinary smooth surfaces or surfaces generated by the conventional customary manufacturing processes. Though several micro-scale surface textures generating techniques have been used to fabricate surface textures, most of these techniques are either of low efficiency or lack the flexibility to fabricate sophisticated surface topographies. In this study, a non-resonant vibration generator was used to control the micro surface texturing generation process. The principles of this vibration assisted surface texturing process are analyzed. Furthermore, surface generation models for both the cylindrical and flat surfaces of a cylinder are formulated to serve as a vehicle for generating the desired surface topography. Finally, surface texturing experiments were conducted, and complex micro textured topographies were successfully fabricated.