Makino case study: 0.002” holes, 10:1 aspect ratio, in 303 stainless

A Makino V22 vertical machining center fitted with a 0.050mm-dia. drill was used to produce (61) 0.002” microholes in a fluid-metering plate. The microdevice was made from 0.020”-thick 303 stainless steel plate.

To reduce tooling runout, explained a Makino press release, a high- precision collet-holder assembly featuring a BIG "Mega Micro" collet chuck, BIG "Micro" collet, and BIG precision "Micro" nut was used.

Makino's hybrid ATLM tool- tip contact sensor was utilized for automated, quick, repeatable setup of the microcutters. The machine's SGI control system provided high-precision positioning accuracy of the drill tip throughout the machining process, enabling a precise and stable chip load while achieving high Z-axis rapid feedrate.

The part was fixtured to an Erowa Compact Combi / Right Angle tooling chuck for simple on and off chucking and in-process inspections.

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Stainless steel fluid-metering plate with 0.002”-dia. holes.