EMERGING HYBRID WIRE ELECTRO DISCHARGE TURNING FOR MICRO PARTS FABRICATION IN THE DEFENCE TECHNOLOGICAL AREA: A FEASIBILITY STUDY

This study explores the feasibility of the hybrid wire electro discharge turning (HWEDT) process for the fabrication of micro components in the defence technological area. Only communication, surveillance and navigation technologies have clear developments for micro sized components that are mainly driven by advancements in micro sensors and microelectronics instruments. The rapid innovation in this sector contributes to the technological development of micro-satellites, micro-unmanned aerial vehicles (µ-UAV), micro-aerial vehicles (MAV) and micro-rockets with very complex components and tight specifications. From a manufacturing perspective, most of the devices in this sector require parts fabrication that is precise, complex and leaves no room for error in the manufacturing process; which is perfect for HWEDT.