Experimental evaluation of machining limit in machining V-shaped microgrooves on electroless nickel plated die materials

The continuing demand for increasingly slimmer and brighter liquid crystal display (LCD) panels has led to an increased focus on the role of light guide panels (LGPs) or optical films that are used to obtain diffuse, uniform light from the backlight unit (BLU). The most basic process in the production of such BLU components is the micromachining of V-shaped grooves. Thus, given the current trend, micromachining of V-shaped grooves is expected to play increasingly important roles in today's manufacturing technology. LCD BLUs comprise various optical elements such as a LGP, diffuser sheet, prism sheet, and protector sheet with V-shaped grooves. High-aspect-ratio patterns are required to reduce the number of sheets and enhance light efficiency, but there is a limit to the aspect ratio achievable for a given material and cutting tool. Therefore, this study comprised a series of experimental evaluations conducted to determine the machining limit in microcutting V-shaped grooves on electroless nickel plated die materials when using single-crystal diamond tools with point angles of $20^{\circ}-80^{\circ}$. Cutting performance was evaluated at various cutting speeds and depths of cut using different machining methods and machine tools. The experimental results are that V-shaped patterns with angles of $80^{\circ}$ or up can be realized regardless of the machining conditions and equipment. Moreover, the feed rate has little effect on machinability, and it is thought that the fly-cut method is more efficient for shallow patterns.

무전해 니켈도금 소재의 초정밀 가공에서 V-형상 미세 패턴 가공한계에 대한 실험적 평가