Cutting performance of thick web drills with curved primary cutting edges

In order to improve the cutting performance of drills, a thick web drill with curved primary cutting edges was devised. The curved primary cutting edge was mathematically determined by changing the distribution of the tool orthogonal rake angle along the primary cutting edge. A three-dimensional finite element analysis based on the torsional rigidity of the drill was applied to obtain the “secondary” flute shape of the drill with curved primary cutting edges and to specify the web thickness. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the drill's cutting performance. Compared with conventional twist drills of different web thicknesses, the thick web drill with curved primary cutting edges shows greater effectiveness in reducing the thrust force, the torque, and the tool wear, thus providing a better cutting ability and a longer tool life.     

Modeling the mechanics and dynamics of arbitrary edge drills

This paper presents a new approach for modelling the cutting forces and chatter stability limits in drills with arbitrary lip geometry. The oblique cutting geometry at each point on the drill lip is modelled using parametric curve equations. The cutting force and process damping coefficients at different parts of the drill lip are identified empirically; the cutting force coefficients are identified from non-symmetric drilling tests, and the process damping coefficients are identified from chatter-free orthogonal turning tests. The presented approach provides a practical method for modelling the cutting forces and vibration stability without needing the detailed geometry of drill lips. The accuracy of presented model in predicting lateral and torsional-axial chatter stability limits is verified by conducting drilling tests using drills with various edge geometries.     

A study of high-performance plane rake faced twist drills. Part II: Predictive force models

Predictive cutting models for the thrust, torque and power in drilling operations using modified plane rake faced twist drills are presented and discussed. The models are based on the mechanics of cutting approach incorporating the many tool and cutting process variables and have been assessed by numerically analysing the predicted trends and by comparing with the experimental data. It is shown that the model predictions are in excellent agreement with the experimental results with an average deviation of about 5%. Simpler “empirical-type” thrust, torque and power equations are also established for use as an accurate alternative to the complex predictive models to facilitate practical applications.     

Generalized modeling of drilling vibrations. Part I: Time domain model of drilling kinematics, dynamics and hole formation

This two part paper presents a comprehensive exercise in modeling dynamics, kinematics and stability in drilling operations. While Part II focuses on the chatter stability of drilling in frequency domain, Part I presents a three-dimensional (3D) dynamic model of drilling which considers rigid body motion, and torsional–axial and lateral vibrations in drilling, and resulting hole formation. The model is used to investigate: (a) the mechanism of whirling vibrations, which occur due to lateral drill deflections; (b) lateral chatter vibrations; and (c) combined lateral and torsional–axial vibrations. Mechanistic cutting force models are used to accurately predict lateral forces, torque and thrust as functions of feedrate, radial depth of cut, drill geometry and vibrations. Grinding errors reflected on the drill geometry are considered in the model. A 3D workpiece, consisting of a cylindrical hole wall and a hole bottom surface, is fed to the rotating drill while the structural vibrations are excited by the cutting forces. The mechanism of whirling vibrations is explained, and the hole wall formation during whirling vibrations is investigated by imposing commonly observed whirling motion on the drill. The time domain model is used to predict the cutting forces and frequency content as well as the shape of the hole wall, and how it depends on the amplitude and frequency of the whirling vibration. The model is also used to predict regenerative, lateral chatter vibrations. The influence of pilot hole size, spindle speed and torsional–axial chatter on lateral vibrations is observed from experimental cutting forces, frequency spectra and shows good similarity with simulation results. The effect of the drill–hole surface contact during drilling is discussed by observing the discrepancies between the numerical model of the drilling process and experimental measurements.     

Time domain simulation of torsional–axial vibrations in drilling

A time domain model of the torsional–axial chatter vibrations in drilling is presented. The model considers the exact kinematics of rigid body, and coupled torsional and axial vibrations of the drill. The tool is modeled as a pretwisted beam that exhibits axial and torsional deflections due to torque and thrust loading. A mechanistic cutting force model is used to accurately predict the cutting torque and thrust as a function of feedrate, radial depth of cut, and drill geometry. The drill rotates and feeds axially into the workpiece while the structural vibrations are excited by the cutting torque and thrust. The location of the drill edge is predicted using the kinematics model, and the generated surface is digitized at discrete time intervals. The distribution of chip thickness, which is affected by both rigid body motion and structural vibrations, is evaluated by subtracting the presently generated surface from the previous one. The model considers nonlinearities in cutting coefficients, tool jumping out of cut and overlapping of multiple regeneration waves. Force, torque, power and dimensional form errors left on the surface are predicted using the dynamic chip thickness obtained from the exact kinematics model. The stability of the drilling process is also evaluated using the time domain simulation model, and compared with extensive experiments. This paper provides details of the mathematical model, experimental verification and simulation capabilities. Although the surface finish from unstable cutting can be predicted realistically, the actual drilling stability cannot be determined without including process damping.     

Stability of lateral,torsional and axial vibrations in drilling

Instability caused by whirling, lateral and torsional-axial modes of the drill causes dimensional inaccuracies of the holes and may damage the drills. A generalized stability model for drilling dynamics is presented in this paper. The model considers the regeneration of chip thickness due to the tool deflection in the lateral, torsional and axial directions. The tool wear is considered on damping of high frequency, torsional vibrations during drilling process. The stability for whirling, lateral and torsional axial chatter is predicted simultaneously and analytically in semi-discrete time domain. The stability model is experimentally verified by conducing series of drilling tests with a sharp and worn tool.     

A study of high-performance plane rake faced twist drills.: Part I: Geometrical analysis and experimental investigation

A study of a modified drill point design with plane rake faces for drilling high-tensile steels is presented. A geometrical analysis has shown that the modified drill point design yields positive normal rake angle on the entire lips and point relieving in the vicinity of the chisel edge. This drill geometry can be expected to reduce the cutting forces and torque, and hence reduce the possible drill breakages when drilling high-tensile steels. An experimental study of drilling an ASSAB 4340 high-tensile steel with 7–13 mm titanium nitride (TiN) coated high-speed steel (HSS) drills has shown that the modified drills can reduce the thrust force by as much as 46.9%, as compared to the conventional twist drills under the corresponding cutting conditions, while the average reduction of torque is 13.2%. Drill-life tests have also been carried out and confirmed the superiority of the modified drills over the conventional twist drills. In some cases, the conventional drills were broken inside the workpiece, while the modified drills performed very well under the same cutting conditions. To mathematically predict the drilling performance and optimise the drilling process using the plane rake faced drills, predictive models for the cutting forces, torque and power will be developed in the second part of this investigation.     

Performance evaluation of endrills

This paper evaluates the performance of a relatively new type of drill called an endrill which is a cross between a drill and an endmill. Investigations into the effects of its cutting conditions on the drilling forces, surface finish, drill wear and hole oversize were carried out. It was found that endrills produced better quality holes than conventional twist drills, better surface finish and less oversize of the holes. Hence, with proper feed, speed and flow rate of the pressurized flushing coolant, a good finish of about R_a = 1 μm can be attained without reaming. Thus, the productivity of finished holes can be remarkably improved. Compared to twist drills, lower torque and thrust were observed which yielded improved tool life and reduced power consumption. No “walking phenomenon” was observed when this kind of drill was used and the amount of hole oversize was found to average about 0.7% of the drill diameter as compared to 1.6% when twist drills were used. Finally, general equations for the drill torque and thrust were derived from the experimental results.     

Effect of deviation on delamination by saw drill

Various cutting techniques are available to drill holes, but drilling is the most common way in secondary machining of composite materials owing to the need for structure joining. Twist drills are widely used in the industry to produce holes rapidly and economically. Since the twist drill has a chisel edge, increasing the length of a chisel edge will result in an increase in the thrust force generated. Whereas, a saw drill has no chisel edge; it utilizes the peripheral distribution of the thrust force for drilling. As a result, the saw drill can achieve better a machining quality in drilling composite laminates than twist drill. The deviation of cutting edge that occurs in saw drill would result in an increase of thrust force during drilling, causing delamination damage when drilling composite materials in particular. A comprehensive model concerning delamination induced by the thrust force of a deviation saw drill during drilling composite materials has been established in the present study. For a deviation saw drill, the critical thrust force that triggers delamination increases with increasing β. A lower feed rate has to be used with an increasing deviation saw drill in order to prevent delamination damage. The results agree with real industrial experience. A guide for avoiding the drill deviation during drill regrinding or drill wear has been proved analytically by the proposed model, especially when the deviation ratio (β) affects the critical thrust force. This approach can be extended to examine similar deviation effects of various drills.     

The performance of hydrogenated and non-hydrogenated diamond-like carbon tool coatings during the dry drilling of 319 Al

Aluminium alloys, though widely used in the automotive industry, are difficult to machine, particularly by drilling and tapping without the use of metal removal fluids, because of aluminium's strong tendency to adhere to the cutting tool. Tribological tests have revealed that carbon-based tool coatings, such as diamond-like carbon (DLC), promise an improved performance due to their low friction and adhesion. However, the tribological performance of DLC coatings depends on both their hydrogen content and the testing environments. Hence the experimental approach taken in this study was designed to understand the cutting performance of hydrogenated DLC (H-DLC) and non-hydrogenated DLC (NH-DLC) tool coatings during the dry drilling of a 319 Al (Al–6%Si) alloy. An experimental drilling station was built to measure torque and thrust force changes using a cutting speed of 2500 rpm and a feed rate of 0.25 mm/rev. The cutting performance was assessed by measuring the torques and thrust forces generated during the drilling of the first 150 holes or by drill failure—depending on which occurred first. The results indicated that superior cutting performance was achieved, in both torque and thrust force responses, using DLC-coated drills rather than uncoated high-speed steel (HSS) drills. The uncoated HSS drills failed after drilling only 49 holes as a result of excessive aluminium adhesion. At least 150 holes could be drilled using the DLC-coated drills, and both the torque and thrust forces generated during drilling were lower than those with uncoated HSS drills. In addition, a smaller proportion of holes exhibited abrupt increases in torque (at the end of the drilling cycle) during drilling with the DLC-coated drills. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations showed that the H-DLC drill flutes displayed minimal aluminium clogging—resulting in lower torque. H-DLC coating also diminished metal transfer and buildup edge formation on the drill's flank face and cutting edge. Thus, torque and thrust force measurements, supported by metallographic data, indicated that H-DLC-coated drills provided better dry drilling performance than NH-DLC.     

Generalized modeling of drilling vibrations. Part II: Chatter stability in frequency domain

A time domain model of the drilling process and hole formation mechanism is presented in Part I, and the general solution of drilling chatter stability in frequency domain is presented in this paper. The drill's flexibility in torsional, axial and lateral directions are considered in determining the regenerative chip thickness. Stability is modelled as a fourth order eigenvalue problem with a regenerative delay term. The critical radial depth of cut and spindle speed are analytically determined from the eigenvalues of the characteristics equation of the dynamic drilling process in frequency domain. The method is compared against the extensive numerical solutions in time domain which were presented in Part I, cutting experiments and previously published partial stability laws. The time domain model presented in Part I of the paper considers tool geometry dependent mechanics, all vibration directions and the true kinematics of drilling, while allowing for nonlinearities such as tool jumping out of cut and nonlinear cutting force models. It is shown that accurate prediction of drilling stability requires modeling of drill/hole surface contact stiffness and damping which is still a research challenge.     

A new dynamic model for drilling and reaming processes

This paper presents a new computer simulation model for drilling and reaming processes. The model is made of four parts: the force model for the cutting lips, the force model for the chisel edge, the dynamic model for the machine tool (including the cutter) and the regenerative correlation between the force and machine tool vibration. The models for the forces and the machine tool are similar to the existing models. The key to the model is the regeneration correlation between the cutting forces and the machine tool vibration. It uses a new 3D chip formation model to describe the interaction between the cutter and the workpiece. The model can predict the dynamic forces and chatter limit. It also reveals several interesting phenomena, such as how the feed and the point angle of the drill affect the chatter limit. The model is implemented using C++ language with an interface to I-DEAS™ CAE software system. The simulation results are validated experimentally by both drilling and reaming under various cutting conditions. The experiment results show that the simulation is accurate with average error about 10%. A number of research issues are also proposed for the future work.     

Static rigid force model for 3-axis ball-end milling of sculptured surfaces

Static rigid force model is used to estimate cutting forces of sculptured surface in a straightforward way, without considering tool deflection, machine tool dynamic behavior and any vibration effects. Two programs were used for calculations, “ACIS” the 3-D geometric modeler and “VISUAL BASIC”. Two programs were edited and used to perform the calculations, the scheme program to model the work piece, tool and cutting edge and to obtain the geometric data and the VISUAL BASIC program design to use ACIS geometric data to calculate the cutting forces. The engaged part of the cutting edge and work piece is divided into small differential oblique cutting edge segments. Friction, shear angles and shear stresses are identified from orthogonal cutting database available in literature. The cutting force components, for each tool rotational position, are calculated by summing up the differential cutting forces. Laboratory tests were conducted to verify the predictions of the model. The work pieces were prepared from CK45 steel using an insert-type ball-end cutter. No coolant was used in any of the experimental works. The cutting forces predicted have shown good agreement with experimental results.     

Evaluation of drilling parameters on thrust force in drilling carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite laminates using compound core-special drills

Drilling is the mostly used secondary machining of the fiber reinforced composite laminates, while the delamination occurs frequently at the drill exit in the workpiece. In the industrial experiences, core drill shows better drilling quality than twist drill. However, chip removal is a troublesome problem when using the core drill. Conventional compound core-special drills (core-special drills and step-core-special drills) are designed to avoid the chip removal clog in drilling. But the cutting velocity ratio (relative motion) between outer drill and inner drill is null for conventional compound core-special drills. The current study develops a new device and to solve the problems of relative motion and chip removal between the outer and inner drills in drilling CFRP composite laminates. In addition, this study investigates the influence of drilling parameters (cutting velocity ratio, feed rate, stretch, inner drill type and inner drill diameter) on thrust force of compound core-special drills. An innovative device can be consulted in application of compound core-special drill in different industries in the future.     

Characterization of semi-solid slurry using a novel “Rheo-Characterizer” apparatus

The rheological properties of A357 semi-solid slurries, produced under different conditions using the SEED process, were analyzed with a novel “Rheo-Characterizer” apparatus. The TiB₂ grain refiner was also added to evaluate the impact on the microstructure and the cutting force. The α-Al particles and grain size were measured under different processing conditions. The effect of the solid fraction on the resulting cutting force curve was also investigated by altering the cutting temperature. The results show that the “Rheo-Characterizer” is capable of differentiating between the microstructural morphologies and the solid fraction present in the slug. A simple theoretical model was proposed to better understand the relationship between the microstructure and the cutting behaviour of the semi-solid slurry. The model, together with an analysis of the deformation phenomena observed on the wire and the slug, roughly predicts the principal characteristics of the experimental cutting curves.     

Mechanistic models of thrust force and torque in step-drilling of Al7075-T651

In the aerospace industry, burr removal is an important and expensive part of the manufacturing process. One approach to minimizing burrs is to lower the thrust force in drilling through suitable modification of the drill geometry such as the use of step drills. This paper focuses on the modeling of thrust force and torque for step drills. A mechanistic model capturing the various material removal mechanisms, i.e. oblique cutting, orthogonal cutting, and indentation, active on different sections of the step drill is developed. Subsequently, a series of experiments is conducted to calibrate and validate the model. The validation results show that the predicted thrust and torque values are in good agreement with measured values, although the torque is slightly underestimated. The validated model was further used to investigate the effects of step drill geometry parameters on the thrust force and torque. The model predictions suggest that the thrust force increases and the torque decreases for larger secondary point angles and inner diameters.     

Mechanical model for predicting thrust and torque in vibration drilling fibre-reinforced composite materials

Delamination is a dramatic problem associated with drilling fibre-reinforced composite materials (FRCMs), which, in addition to reducing the structural integrity of the material, also results in poor assembly tolerance and has the potential for long-term performance deterioration. The key to solving the problem lies in reducing the thrust force of drilling. In this paper, a theoretical analysis for predicting mean values of thrust and torque in vibration drilling FRCMs is presented. The model is based on mechanics of vibration cutting analysis and the continuous distributions of thrust and torque along the lip and the chisel edge of a twist drill. The result of a simulation study has shown a very good agreement between the theoretical predictions and the experimental evidence. On the same cutting conditions, the thrust and the torque by the vibration drilling method are reduced by 20–30 percent, compared with conventional drilling.     

Experimental studies of step drills and establishment of empirical equations for the drilling process

Various sizes of step drills were manufactured by a CNC grinder machine and used in the drilling process with different speeds and feed rates to produce single step holes in S1214 free machining steel. The performance of step drills was compared with that of conventional twist drills in the drilling of the free machining steel for the same task. The influences of drill size, feed rate and cutting speed on the performance of step drills were studied. Experimental results show that for better cutting performance, the small diameter should not be less than 60% of the large diameter. Also, most of the changes in the characteristics of the thrust force were influenced by the smaller drill of the step drill. On the other hand, the small diameter part of the step drill only contributed about 30% of the torque. From the experimental results, empirical equations for drilling thrust force and torque have been established for step drills.     

Spiral point drill temperature and stress in high-throughput drilling of titanium

The spatial and temporal distributions of the temperature and stress of a 9.92 mm diameter spiral point drill are studied in high-throughput drilling of Ti–6Al–4V with 384 mm³/s material removal rate (MRR). A finite element thermal model using the inverse heat transfer method is applied to find the heat partition on the tool–chip contact area and convection heat transfer coefficient of cutting fluid. The thermal model is validated by comparing experimentally measured and numerically predicted drill temperature with good agreement. Thermo-mechanical finite element analysis is applied to solve the drill stress distribution. Modeling results confirm that the supply of cutting fluid is important to reduce the temperature across the drill cutting and chisel edges. At 183 m/min peripheral cutting speed, 0.05 mm/rev feed and 10.2 mm depth of drilling, the drill peak temperature is reduced from 1210 °C in dry drilling to 651 °C with cutting fluid supplied through the drill body. Under the same MRR, 61 m/min peripheral cutting speed and 0.15 mm/rev feed, the analysis shows that the drill peak temperature is reduced to 472 °C. The temperature induced thermal stress combined with the mechanical stress caused by cutting forces is analyzed to predict the location of drill failure. Applying the modified Mohr failure criterion, the drill cutting and chisel edges are found to be prone to failure in dry and wet drilling conditions, respectively. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of drill thermal and stress modeling for drilling process parameter selection and drill design improvement.     

On the Influence of Drilling Depth Dependent Modal Damping on Chatter Vibration in BTA Deep Hole Drilling

BTA (Boring and Trepanning Association) deep hole drilling is applied for machining bore holes with a high length to diameter ratio. The slender tools involved make BTA processes highly susceptible to chatter vibration. Chatter-free states and states with chatter vibration corresponding to one of the first three torsional eigenfrequencies can be observed to alternate during processes with constant cutting parameters. A detailed FEA model of the significant BTA tool components involved was developed. This takes into account the drilling depth variant boundary conditions. Using this model, the state transitions can be attributed to drilling depth dependent modal damping of the involved torsional vibration modes.