A Review on Current Research Aspects in Tool-Based Micromachining Processes

Technology development has led to the need of micro and miniaturized products in the field of automobile, aerospace, electronics, medical implants, biomedicine, robotics, and so on. Micromachining is the key technology to satisfy the need of the industry in terms of functionality and miniaturization in size. In this article, state-of-the-art review on tool-based micromachining processes such as microturning, microdrilling, micromilling, electric discharge micromachining (Micro-EDM), and electrochemical micromachining (Micro-ECM) has been carried out. The review begins with an overview of micromachining, classifications, and discussions about different aspects of tool-based micromachining processes. The research works carried out for the past 10 years are analyzed in terms of materials perspective, process parameters, size effects, performance characteristics, condition monitoring, product development, micro features generation, and fabrication of micro tools. A statistical analysis has been performed with respect to the previous review articles, numbers of publications in the related area, and their research gap. Finally, the possible future research direction is presented.