Academic Staff

Brief Biosketch

Prof. Sandy, Suet To is a Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Associate Director of State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology and Advanced Optics Manufacturing Centre. Prof. To graduated from Kunming University of Science and Technology with Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering and obtained her MPhil degree in Materials Science from Brunel University in UK and PhD in Ultra-precision Machining Technology from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She started her academic career as Assistant Professor in 2005 and promoted to Associate Professor and Professor in 2010 and 2018 respectively. She is an active researcher who focuses on Ultra-precision Machining and Material Science. Her research interests include ultra-precision machining, advanced optics manufacturing technology, ultra-precision machining of micro/nano-structure and effect on materials. She has published 3 research books, more than 250 international SCI referred journal papers and over 150 international conference papers, as well as obtained more than 20 patents in China and USA. She has secured more than 20 external projects as Principal Investigator (PI)/ Project Coordinator (PC) and successfully obtained over HK$55 million of research grants.

Prof. To holds various honorary positions in professional bodies including Board Member of the Asian Society for Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology (ASPEN), Committee Member of the Production Engineering Division of the Chinese Society for Mechanical Engineers (CSME) and Associate Member of the International Academy for Production Engineering (CIRP). She also serves as Editorial Board member in several international journals, such as International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacturing, Journal of Applied Optics, Journal of Nano-manufacturing and Metrology, International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing and Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering.

Teaching and Research Specialties

Ultra-precision Machining Technology; Precision Engineering; Materials Engineering

External Research Funding Secured

Prof. To has secured more than 20 research grants as Principle Investigator and secured more than 10 external grants as co-investigator. Obtained a total amount of HK55 million research grants. Selected external research funding are given as follows:

1. EC-RGC (PI): Virtual spindle based trans-scale tool servo diamond cutting of hierarchical optical surfaces, (HK$752,19, 01/2018-09/2021, E-PolyU502/17).
2. GRF-17/18 (PI): A novel magnetic field system for improving machinability of difficult to cut materials in ultra-precision machining, (HK$632,421, 01/2019- 06/2022, 15212518).
3. GRF-16/17(PI): A Novel Diamond Cutting System for Generation of Hierarchical Micro/Nano-Structures, (HK$582,000, 10/2017-09/2020)
4. NSFC-16/17 (PI): Theoretical analysis and practical application of spatial modulation based fly-cutting servo diamond machining of hierarchical micro/nanostructures (RMB 630,000, 1/2017-12/2020)
5. NSFC-12/13 (PI): The study of in-process Tool Wear Monitoring and Prediction in Ultra-Precision Raster Milling, (RMB790,000, 01/2013- 12/2016)
6. NSFC-19/20 (Co-PI): Thermoelastic Excitation and Ultrsonic Impact Coupled Machining for Particulate Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites (RMB 730,000, 1/2020-12/2023)
7. GRF-09/10 (PI): 3D Modelling and Measurement of Tool Wear in Ultraprecision Raster Milling, (HK$801,491, 01/2011- 12/ 2013, PolyU 5287/10E)
8. GRF-08/09 (PI): A Study of Electropulsing Treatment on Machinability of Heat Treatable Alloys in Ultra-precision Diamond Turning, (HK$950,400, 11/2009- 10/2012, PolyU 5316/09E)
9. GRF-07/08 (PI): Effect of Cutting Strategy on Surface Structural Changes in Ultra-precision Raster Milling of Heat-treatable Alloys, (HK$598,399, 10/2008- 03/2011, PolyU 5291/08E)
10. CERF-05/06 (PI): Stress Induced Microstructural Changes in the Ultra-precision Machining of Heat-treatable Alloys, (HK$408,500, 11/2006- 04/2009, PolyU 5283/06E)
11. Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 11/12-(Chief Supervisor), Multiscale Modelling and Simulation of Brittle-Ductile Cutting Mode Transition in Ultra-Precision Machining (HK$780,000, PF10-12032)
12. ITF-(PC & PI): Investigation of a Novel Diamond Coating Process of Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition (HFCVD) for Difficult-to-cut Materials, (HK$2,932,500, 06/2019- 12/2021, ITS/246/18FX)
13. ITF-(PC & PI): The Development of Packaging Technology with Anti-counterfeiting Function and Multi Optical Effects (HK$1,501,600, 05/2015- 02/2017, ITS/356/14)
14. ITF-(PC & PI): Research and Development of the Equipment and Process for High Efficiency Ultra-precision Machining of High-performance Titanium Alloys (HK$ 2,250,000, 08/2013- 01/2016, GHP/044/12SZ)
15. ITF-(PI): Research and Development of Manufacturing Equipment and Processing Technology for Ultra-precision Rollers Embossing of Advanced Optical Products, (HK$ 1,665,000, 12/2011- 03/2014 , GHP/045/10SZ)
16. ITF-(PI): Development of Bulk Metallic Glass Moulds for High Precision Optical Products, (HK$999,350, 03/2011- 12/2012, ITS/118/10)
17. ITF-(PI): Development of a Process Modelling and Optimization System for Supporting Design and Fabrication of Advanced Freeform Progressive Plastic Lenses for Optometric Applications, (HK$998, 000, 04/2010 - 01/2012, ITS/389/09)
18. ITF-(PC): The Development and Fabrication of Biomimetic Structures for the Self-cleaning Plastic Plate, (HK$983,250, 03/2010- 31/12/2011, ITS/390/09)
19. ITF-(PI): Design and Development of Compatible Optical Pick-up Head for Blu-ray and China Blue High Definition Disc, (HK$1,000,000, 11/2009- 08/2011, ITS/256/09)
20. ITF-(PC & PI): Development of Design and Manufacturing Capability of Micro Lenses for Zoom Cameras used in Mobile Phones, (HK$984,000, 01/2007- 03/2008, ITS/126/06)
21. ITF-(Co-PI): Development of capability on Supporting the Design and Manufacture of Superfinished Orthopaedic Implants for Bio-medical Applications, (HK$6,200,000, 04/2007- 04/2008, GHP/052/06)
22. ITF-(Deputy-PC): Design and Fabrication of HID and LED Lighting System for Automotive illumination (HK$7,700,000, 07/2005- 01/2008, GHS/073/04)
23. ITF-(Deputy-PC): The Development of Design and Manufacturing Capability of Freeform Optical Elements and Optical Microstructures for Photonics and Telecommunication Products (HK$8,200,000, 04/2002- 09/2005, ITS/201/01)

Publications (including Journals, Books, Chapters in Books, Conferences, etc.)

Prof. To has authored and co-authored more than 240 refereed SCI journal papers, over 150 international conferences papers and three research books. Some selected papers and patents are listed as following:

Research Books:

1. To, S., Wang, H., Lee, W.B., Materials Characterization and Mechanism of Micro-Cutting in Ultra-Precision Diamond Turning, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, ISBN: 978-3-662-54821-9, (2017), page 340.
2. Lee, W.B., To, S. and Cheung, C.F., “Design, Machining and Measurement Technologies of Ultra-precision Freeform Optics”, China Machine Press, 265pages, Chinese, Dec. 2014 (ISBN 978-7-111-48229-1)
3. Cheung, C.F., To, S., Lee, W.B., Wang, B. and Jiang, J.B., “Design and fabrication of electronic and optical systems for advanced automotive lighting”, Vol. 2 – Advanced Optics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 282 pages, Chinese, Nov. 2007 (ISBN 9-789623-675956)

Selective papers:

1. Yip, W. S., To, S.*, & Zhou, H. (2020). Social network analysis for optimal machining conditions in ultra-precision manufacturing. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 56, 93-103. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmsy.2020.03.011 (SCI Impact factor: 8.633; Operations Research & Management Science: 1/84, Q1, Top 10%)
2. Yip, W. S., & To, S.* (2020). Energy consumption modeling of ultra-precision machining and the experimental validation. Energy, 196, 117018. DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.117018 (SCI Impact factor: 7.147; Thermodynamics: 3/62, Q1, Top 10%)
3. Zhao, Z., To, S.*, Zhu, Z., & Yin, T. (2020). A theoretical and experimental investigation of cutting forces and spring back behaviour of Ti6Al4V alloy in ultraprecision machining of microgrooves. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 169, 105315. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2019.105315 (SCI Impact factor: 5.329; Mechanics: 12/136, Q1, Top 10%)
4. Yip, W. S., & To, S. (2020). Sustainable ultra-precision machining of titanium alloy using intermittent cutting. International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing-Green Technology, 7(2), 361-373. DOI: 10.1007/s40684-019-00078-5 (SCI Impact factor: 5.671; Engineering, Mechanical: 9/135, Q1, Top 10%)
5. Zhu, Z., To, S.*, Zhu, W. L., Huang, P., & Zhou, X. (2019). Cutting forces in fast-/slow tool servo diamond turning of micro-structured surfaces. International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 136, 62-75. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2018.09.003 (SCI Impact factor: 7.88; Engineering, Mechanical: 5/135, Q1, Top 10%)
6. Sun, Z., To, S.*, & Wang, S. (2019). An analytical force model for ultra-precision diamond sculpturing of micro-grooves with textured surfaces. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 160, 129-139. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2019.06.032 (SCI Impact factor: 5.329; Mechanics: 12/136, Q1, Top 10%)
7. Sun, Z., To, S.*, Zhang, S., & Zhang, G. (2018). Theoretical and experimental investigation into non-uniformity of surface generation in micro-milling. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 140, 313-324. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2018.03.019 (SCI Impact factor: 5.329; Mechanics: 12/136, Q1, Top 10%)
8. Zhu, Z., To, S.*, Zhu, W. L., Li, Y., & Huang, P. (2018). Optimum design of a piezo-actuated triaxial compliant mechanism for nanocutting. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 65(8), 6362-6371. DOI: 10.1109/TIE.2017.2787592 (SCI Impact factor: 8.236; Instruments & Instrumentation: 2/64, Q1, Top 10%)
9. Sun, Z., To, S.*, & Zhang, S. (2018). A novel ductile machining model of single-crystal silicon for freeform surfaces with large azimuthal height variation by ultra-precision fly cutting. International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 135, 1-11. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2018.07.005 (SCI Impact factor: 7.88; Engineering, Mechanical: 5/135, Q1, Top 10%)
10. Zhao, Z., & To, S.* (2018). An investigation of resolved shear stress on activation of slip systems during ultraprecision rotary cutting of local anisotropic Ti-6Al-4V alloy: Models and experiments. International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 134, 69-78. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2018.07.001 (SCI Impact factor: 7.88; Engineering, Mechanical: 5/135, Q1, Top 10%)
11. Zhu, Z., To, S.*, Li, Y., Zhu, W. L., & Bian, L. (2018). External force estimation of a piezo-actuated compliant mechanism based on a fractional order hysteresis model. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 110, 296-306. DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2018.03.012 (SCI Impact factor: 6.823; Engineering, Mechanical: 7/135, Q1, Top 10%)
12. Yip, W. S., & To, S. (2017). Tool life enhancement in dry diamond turning of titanium alloys using an eddy current damping and a magnetic field for sustainable manufacturing. Journal of Cleaner Production, 168, 929-939. DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.09.100 (SCI Impact factor: 9.297; Environmental Sciences: 18/274, Q1, Top 10%)
13. Zhu, Z., To, S.*, Zhu, W. L., & Huang, P. (2017). Feasibility study of the novel quasi-elliptical tool servo for vibration suppression in the turning of micro-lens arrays. International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 122, 98-105. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2017.06.004 (SCI Impact factor: 7.88; Engineering, Mechanical: 5/135, Q1, Top 10%)
14. Zhu, Z., To, S., Ehmann, K. F., & Zhou, X. (2017). Design, analysis, and realization of a novel piezoelectrically actuated rotary spatial vibration system for micro-/nanomachining. IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, 22(3), 1227-1237. DOI: 10.1109/TMECH.2017.2682983 (SCI Impact factor: 5.303; Engineering, Mechanical: 13/135, Q1, Top 10%)
15. Yip, W. S., & To, S. (2017). Reduction of material swelling and recovery of titanium alloys in diamond cutting by magnetic field assistance. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 722, 525-531. DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2017.06.167 (SCI Impact factor: 5.316; Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering: 6/80, Q1, Top 10%)
16. Zhang, G., To, S.*, & Zhang, S. (2016). Evaluation for tool flank wear and its influences on surface roughness in ultra-precision raster fly cutting. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 118, 125-134. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2016.09.013 (SCI Impact factor: 5.329; Mechanics: 12/136, Q1, Top 10%)
17. Zhang, S. J., To, S.*, Zhu, Z. W., & Zhang, G. Q. (2016). A review of fly cutting applied to surface generation in ultra-precision machining. International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 103, 13-27. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2016.01.001 (SCI Impact factor: 7.88; Engineering, Mechanical: 5/135, Q1, Top 10%)
18. Zhang, Q., To, S.*, Zhao, Q., & Guo, B. (2015). Amorphization and C segregation based surface generation of reaction-bonded SiC/Si composites under micro-grinding. International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 95, 78-81. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2015.05.007 (SCI Impact factor: 7.88; Engineering, Mechanical: 5/135, Q1, Top 10%)
19. Zhu, Z., To, S.*, & Zhang, S. (2015). Theoretical and experimental investigation on the novel end-fly-cutting-servo diamond machining of hierarchical micro-nanostructures. International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 94, 15-25. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2015.04.002 (SCI Impact factor: 7.88; Engineering, Mechanical: 5/135, Q1, Top 10%)
20. Zhang, S. J., To, S.*, Wang, S. J., & Zhu, Z. W. (2015). A review of surface roughness generation in ultra-precision machining. International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 91, 76-95. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2015.02.001 (SCI Impact factor: 7.88; Engineering, Mechanical: 5/135, Q1, Top 10%)
21. Zhang, S. J., To, S.*, Zhang, G. Q., & Zhu, Z. W. (2015). A review of machine-tool vibration and its influence upon surface generation in ultra-precision machining. International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 91, 34-42. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2015.01.005 (SCI Impact factor: 7.88; Engineering, Mechanical: 5/135, Q1, Top 10%)
22. Xiao, G., To, S.*, & Zhang, G. (2015). Molecular dynamics modelling of brittle–ductile cutting mode transition: case study on silicon carbide. International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 88, 214-222. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2014.10.007 (SCI Impact factor: 7.88; Engineering, Mechanical: 5/135, Q1, Top 10%)
23. Wu, H., & To, S.* (2015). Serrated chip formation and their adiabatic analysis by using the constitutive model of titanium alloy in high speed cutting. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 629, 368-373. DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2014.12.230 (SCI Impact factor: 5.316; Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering: 6/80, Q1, Top 10%)
24. Zhang, G., To, S.*, & Xiao, G. (2014). The relation between chip morphology and tool wear in ultra-precision raster milling. International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 80, 11-17. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2014.02.005 (SCI Impact factor: 7.88; Engineering, Mechanical: 5/135, Q1, Top 10%)
25. Zhang, G., To, S.*, & Xiao, G. (2014). A novel spindle inclination error identification and compensation method in ultra-precision raster milling. International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 78, 8-17. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2013.12.001 (SCI Impact factor: 7.88; Engineering, Mechanical: 5/135, Q1, Top 10%)

Selective patents:

1. To, S., Wang, B., Cheung, K. C., and Wang, W. K. " Lens and Light-emitting Device", PRC Patent No. ZL201310484769.0 (2017)
2. To, S., Lee, W. B., Wang, W. K., and Cheung, K. C. "Lotus-leaf structured self-cleaning plastic film, lotus-leaf structured self-cleaning surface microstructures, and preparation methods thereof", PRC Patent No. ZL201110450694.5 (2016).
3. To, S., Cheung, C. F., Lee, W. B., Jiang, J. B. and Wang, W. K., “Zoom lens module with a programmable and microcontroller-controlled”, PRC Patent No. ZL200810134895.2 (2012).
4. To, S., Cheung, C. F., Lee, W. B., Jiang, J. B, and Wang, W.K, “Mechanical zoom lens device”, PRC Patent No. ZL200810091856.9 (2011).
5. To, S., Jiang, J.B., Cheung, C.F., Lee, W.B., and Cheung, K.C., “Design of side emitting lens for LED lighting”, HK Patent No. HK1103584 (2008).

Editorialship of Journals

1. Editorial board member, International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture (SCI journal) (2019-present).
2. Editorial board member, International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (EI journal) (2019-present).
3. Editorial board member, Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering (SCI journal) (2016-present).
4. Editorial board member in Journal of Advanced Optics (2016-present).
5. Editorial board member, Nano-manufacturing and Metrology published by International Society for Nano-manufacturing (ISNM) (2018-present).

Awards

1. Scientific and Technological Progress Award (Second Class), Guangdong Province Science and Technology Award 2019, China (2020).
2. The 9th Hiwin Doctoral Dissertation Award, The Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society, China (2019).
3. Gold Award & Outstanding Ultra-precision Engineering Award, Asia International Innovative Invention Award, HKSAR (2019).
4. The 7th Hiwin Doctoral Dissertation Award, The Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society, China (2017).
5. Best Paper Award, The 6th International Conference of Asian Society for Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology, China (2015).
6. Excellent Paper Award for 60th Anniversary of Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society, China (2013).
7. Natural Science Award (Second Class), Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards 2011, Ministry of Education of PRC, China (2012).
8. Joseph Whitworth Prize 2010, Manufacturing Industrial Division of The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), UK (2011).
9. Best Paper Award in the 3rd Lighting Symposium of China, Japan and Korea, Seoul, Korea (2010).
10. Research Grant Achievement Award in Faculty of Engineering for outstanding performance and achievement in securing external competitive research grants, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2010).
11. Technology Progress Award (Second Class), Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards 2009, Ministry of Education of PRC, China (2010)
12. Industrial and Engineering Services Grant Achievement Award in Faculty of Engineering for outstanding performance and achievement in securing external competitive research grants, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2009).
13. Grand Award- International Press Prize, 36th International Exhibition of Inventions, New Techniques & Products, Geneva (2008).
14. A Gold Metal from the competition with “special mention” by the jury, 36th International Exhibition of Inventions, New Techniques & Products, Geneva (2008).
15. Award of the High Scientific and Technological Level of the Invention-presented by Romania Ministry of Education, Research and Youth, 36th International Exhibition of Inventions, New Techniques & Products, Geneva (2008).
16. Faculty of Engineering Industrial and Engineering Services Grant Achievement Award, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2008).
17. Merit Award in Research and Scholarly Activities (Team), Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2007).
18. Faculty/School Awards for Outstanding Performance/Achievement 2006/2007, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2007).
19. Good Award, The 35th International Exhibition of Inventions, New Techniques & Products, Geneva (2007).
20. Most Valuable Consultancy Project Award, PolyU Technology and Consultancy Company Ltd., The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2006).
21. Team Award in Research and Scholarly Activities, Faculty Award for Outstanding Performance/Achievement 2003/2004, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2004).
22. Team Award for Service to the Professional Community, The President’s Awards for Outstanding Performance/Achievement 2000, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2000).

Committees of International Conferences

1. Committee member of International Conference of Asian Society for Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology (ASPEN)
2. Committee member of The China International Optoelectronic Expo (CIOE)
3. Committee member of Asia Pacific Conference of Optics Manufacturing (APCOM)
4. Secretariat of the International Organizing Committee of the International Manufacturing Conference in China (IMCC).
5. Conference Co-Chair of the 4th CIRP Conference on BioManufacturing (CIRP-BioM 2019), 12-15 Dec 2019, Guangzhou, China.
6. Chairman of Programme Committee of the 6th Asia Pacific Conference on Optics Manufacturing (APCOM2019), 7-9 Jan 2019, Hong Kong, China.
7. Conference Co-Chair of the 5th International Conference on Nanomanufacturing (NanoMan 2016), 15-17 Aug 2016, Macau, China.
8. Co-Chairman of Organizing Committee of the 3rd Asia Pacific Conference on Optics Manufacturing (APCOM 2012), 26-28 Aug 2012 in Changchun, China.
9. Organizing Co Chairman, 4th International Conference of Asian Society for Precision Engineering And Nanotechnology (ASPEN2011), 16-18 Nov 2011, Hong Kong, China.
10. Secretariat of the 1st Asia Pacific Conference on Optics Manufacturing (APCOM 2007), 11-13 Jan 2007, Hong Kong, China.
11. Secretariat of the International Organizing Committee of the 12th International Manufacturing Conference in China (IMCC2006), 21-23 Sept 2006, Xi’an, China.
12. Member of the Organizing Committee of the Guangzhou-Hong Kong- Macao-Taiwan Engineer Forum, 21-22 Aug 2004, Hong Kong, China.
13. Member of Organizing Committee of the International Conference on Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology, 28-30 Oct 2002, Changsha, China.
14. Secretariat of The 10th International Manufacturing Conference in China (IMCC 2002), 11-13 Oct, 2002, Xiamen, China.
15. Member of the Organizing Committee of the Symposium on Nano-metrology in Precision Engineering, jointly organized by the Department of Manufacturing Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the National Metrology and Measurement Society, 24-25 Nov 1998, Hong Kong, China.

Professional Services

1. Committee Member, Production Section of Chinese Society for Mechanical Engineers (CSME)
2. Board Member, Asian Society for Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology (ASPEN)
3. Associate Member, The International Academy for Production Engineering (CIRP) (2018)
4. Member, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, MIEEE (2017)
5. Member, The Institution of Engineering and Technology, MIET (2007).
6. Member, International Society for Optical Engineering (2004).
7. Member, American Society for Precision Engineering, MASPE (2000).
8. Member, Hong Kong Photographic and Optics Manufacturers Association (2000).