International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing

Special Issue on ‘Ultra-precision manufacturing with embedded metrology: from fundamentals to applications’

Guest Editor: Zhen Tong, Professor

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Email:z.tong@sjtu.edu.cn

Guest Editor: Shuming Yang, Professor

Xi’an Jiao Tong University

Email:shuming.yang@xjtu.edu.cn

Guest Editor: Xiangqian Jiang, Profeesor

University of Huddersfield

Email:x.jiang@hud.ac.uk

Guest Editor: Lin Li, Professor

The University of Manchester

Email:lin.li@manchester.ac.uk

Introduction

Fundamental research into technologies or processes where parts can be fabricated with very high precision (at nano-scale, atomic scale) and exceptionally low tolerances, over an arbitrarily large size has been intensive and fruitful for the past decade. Many previous studies have highlighted the benefits of functional surfaces (with micro/nano-structured surface features and freeform) applied in optics, astronomy, aerospace, automotive, semiconductors and medical devices etc. Despite such early promise, the isolated nature of machining and surface inspection in an offline environment-controlled measurement lab brings extreme challenges to the further development of productivity whilst retaining high reliability and flexibility.

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the integration of on-machine/in-process measurement system in ultra-precision process chain to improve the automation level and productivity of advanced machining systems. This opens a newly emerging area where precision manufacturing engineers and metrologists can work together to push towards a revolutionary solution for the eco-manufacturing of next generation high-precision functional surfaces.

The aim of this special theme is to provide a forum for researchers and practitioners to present and review the state-of-the-art development, challenges and foresight visions in ultra-precision manufacturing technologies, with an emphasis on machine tools development, new manufacturing processes, on-machine/in-process measurement, novel optical instrumentation and emerging applications.

Possible topics, within this scope, include but are not limited to:

Novel optical manufacturing technologies towards nano-precision