The analysis of tool life and wear mechanisms in spindle speed variation machining

Regenerative chatter vibrations generally limit the achievable material removal rate in machining. The diffusion of spindle speed variation (SSV) as a chatter suppression strategy is mainly restricted to academy and research centers. A lack of knowledge concerning the effects of non-stationary machining is still limiting its use in real shop floors. This research is focused on the effects of spindle speed variation technique on tool duration and on wear mechanisms. No previous researches have been performed on this specific topic. Tool wear tests in turning were carried out following a factorial design: cutting speed and cutting speed modulation were the investigated factors. The carbide life was the observed process response. A statistical approach was used to analyze the effects of the factors on the tool life. Moreover, the analysis was extended to the wear mechanisms involved during both constant speed machining and SSV. The worn-out carbide surfaces were examined under a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Significant differences were appreciated. It was observed that SSV tends to detach the coatings of the inserts, entailing a mechanism that is quite unusual in wet steel turning and thus fostering the wear of the tool. The performed analysis allowed to deduce that the intensified tool wear (in SSV cutting) is mainly due to thermo-mechanical fatigue.     

Experimental investigation of machining characteristics and chatter stability for Hastelloy-X with ultrasonic and hot turning

Ultrasonic-assisted machining is a machining operation based on the intermittent cutting of material which is obtained through vibrations generated by an ultrasonic system. This method utilizes low-amplitude vibrations with high frequency to prevent continuous contact between a cutting tool and a workpiece. Hot machining is another method for machining materials which are difficult to cut. The basic principle of this method is that the surface of the workpiece is heated to a specific temperature below the recrystallization temperature of the material. This heating operation can be applied before or during the machining process. Both of these operations improve machining operations in terms of workpiece-cutting tool characteristics. In this study, a novel hybrid machining method called hot ultrasonic-assisted turning (HUAT) is proposed for the machinability of Hastelloy-X material. This new technique combines ultrasonic-assisted turning (UAT) and hot turning methods to take advantage of both machining methods in terms of machining characteristics, such as surface roughness, stable cutting depths, and cutting tool temperature. In order to observe the effect of the HUAT method, Hastelloy-X alloy was selected as the workpiece. Experiments on conventional turning (CT), UAT, and HUAT operations were carried out for Hastelloy-X alloy, changing the cutting speed and cutting tool overhang lengths. Chip morphology was also observed. In addition, modal and sound tests were performed to investigate the modal and stability characteristics of the machining. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) method was performed to find the effect of the cutting speed, tool overhang length, and machining techniques (CT, UAT, HUAT) on surface roughness, stable cutting depths, and cutting tool temperature. The results show both ultrasonic vibration and heat improve the machining of Hastelloy-X. A decrease in surface roughness and an increase in stable cutting depths were observed, and higher cutting tool temperatures were obtained in UAT and HUAT compared to CT. According to the ANOVA results, tool overhang length, cutting speed, and machining techniques were effective parameters for surface roughness and stable cutting depths at a 1% significance level (p ≤ 0.01). In addition, cutting speed and machining techniques have an influence on cutting tool temperature at a 1% significance level (p ≤ 0.01). During chip analysis, serrated chips were observed in UAT and HUAT.     

Optimum tool path generation for 2.5D direction-parallel milling with incomplete mesh model

Many mechanical parts are manufactured by milling machines. Hence, geometrically efficient algorithms for tool path generation, along with physical considerations for better machining productivity with guaranteed machining safety, are the most important issues in milling. In this paper, an optimized path generation algorithm for direction-parallel milling, a process commonly used in the roughing stage as well as the finishing stage and based on an incomplete 2-manifold mesh model, namely, an inexact polyhedron widely used in recent commercialized CAM software systems, is presented. First of all, a geometrically efficient tool path generation algorithm using an intersection points-graph is introduced. Although the tool paths obtained from geometric information have been successful in forming desired shapes, physical process concerns such as cutting forces and chatters have seldom been considered. In order to cope with these problems, an optimized tool path that maintains a constant MRR for constant cutting forces and avoidance of chatter vibrations, is introduced, and verified experimental results are presented. Additional tool path segments are appended to the basic tool path by means of a pixel-based simulation technique. The algorithm was implemented for two-dimensional contiguous end milling operations with flat end mills, and cutting tests measured the spindle current, which reflects machining characteristics, to verify the proposed method.     

MODELING APPROACHES AND SOFTWARE FOR PREDICTING THE PERFORMANCE OF MILLING OPERATIONS AT MAL-UBC

The author has been conducting research in the area of metal cutting mechanics, metal cutting dynamics, machine tool vibrations, precision machining and machine tool control in his Manufacturing Automation Laboratory, at The University of British Columbia, Canada since 1986. This article summarizes the research conducted in mechanics and dynamics of metal cutting in our laboratory. Modeling of mechanics of metal cutting is summarized first. The models include orthogonal to oblique cutting transformation, mechanistic modeling of cutting coefficients, slip line field and Finite Element modeling. The author mostly focused on milling. The kinematics of milling with and without structural vibrations is modeled. The geometric model of end mills and inserted cutters with arbitrary geometry are modeled. The prediction of forces, torque, power and dimensional surface finish is explained for milling operations. The chatter stability for milling operations is presented. The metal cutting knowledge is transferred to manufacturing industry by combining all the models in shop friendly software.     

Detection process approach of tool wear in high speed milling

The cutting tool wear degrades the quality of the product in the manufacturing process, for this reason an on-line monitoring of the cutting tool wear level is very necessary to prevent any deterioration. Unfortunately there is no direct manner to measure the cutting tool wear on-line. Consequently we must adopt an indirect method where wear will be estimated from the measurement of one or more physical parameters appearing during the machining process such as the cutting force, the vibrations, or the acoustic emission, etc. The main objective of this work is to establish a relationship between the acquired signals variation and the tool wear in high speed milling process; so an experimental setup was carried out using a horizontal high speed milling machine. Thus, the cutting forces were measured by means of a dynamometer whereas; the tool wear was measured in an off-line manner using a binocular microscope. Furthermore, we analysed cutting force signatures during milling operation throughout the tool life. This analysis was based on both temporal and frequential signal processing techniques in order to extract the relevant indicators of cutting tool state. Our results have shown that the variation of the variance and the first harmonic amplitudes were linked to the flank wear evolution. These parameters show the best behavior of the tool wear state while providing relevant information of this later.     

Investigations on model-based simulation of tool wear with carbide tools in milling operation

This paper deals with tool wear in milling operation using carbide tools. The main purpose of this work is to define a model-based procedure for forecasting tool-wear progression during cutting operation by using machining simulation. Firstly, a multi-axis machining simulation algorithm is proposed based on DEXEL model and local area update method. NC milling machining process simulation software NCToolWearSim is realized by using Visual C++ and OpenGL. The developed process simulation software is used to simulate the cutting process. Secondly, tool-wear simulation algorithm in the machining process is presented with tool-wear model and machining simulation algorithm and is implemented into the machining simulation software NCToolWearSim in order to evaluate the tool wear and to update the tool geometry. The tool-wear value is estimated according to the established tool-wear model from experienced tool-wear data. Thus, tool-wear progression can be visualized in milling operation by using NCToolWearSim. Finally, experimental tests, performed milling integral wheel with carbide tools, were used to calibrate and validate the correctness of tool-wear simulation process based on the tool-wear model.     

模糊数据融合的刀具磨损状态智能识别

为实现高速加工时刀具渐变磨损状态的在线准确识别,提出了一种集合多种智能的间接检测刀具磨损状态方法的模糊数据融合方法。尽管这些方法具有算法实现较为简单、处理速度较快的优点,但单一的信号检测及单一的智能建模方法难以获得全面的加工状态信息和准确的识别结果。为此,利用F推理技术对上述方法的冗余和互补信息进行数据融合,应用Makino—Fanuc 74-A20型加工中心的测试数据验证了该方案的可行性,并将刀具后刀面磨损的预测值与基于机器视觉检测的实测值进行比较。实验结果分析表明,多参数模糊融合识别方法能快速获得切削刀具磨损状态更加准确的预测值。     

Experimental investigations from conventional to high speed milling on a 304-L stainless steel

Last years analytical or finite element models of milling become more efficient and focus on more physical aspects, nevertheless the milling process is still experimentally unknown on a wide range of use. This paper propose to analyse with accuracy milling operations by investigating the cutting forces values, shape of cutting forces curves obtained for different cutting speeds, and related phenomena as tool wear or tool run-out. These detailed experimental data in milling constitute a suitable experimental basis available to develop predictive machining modelling. All the tests have been conducted on the 304-L stainless steel in many cutting configurations and for different tool geometries. The machinability of the 304-L stainless steel with different tools geometries and configurations in shoulder milling is defined by three working zones: a conventional zone permitting stable cutting (low cutting speed; under 200–250 m.min^?1), a dead zone (unfavourable for cutting forces level and cutting stability; between 250 and 450 m.min^?1), and a high speed machining zone (high cutting speed; up to 450–500 m.min^?1). All the used criteria (cutting forces, chips, wear) confirm the existence of these different zones and a correlation is proposed with cutting perturbations as tool run-out, cutting instability, ploughing, and abrasive wear.     

Identification of bearing dynamics under operational conditions for chatter stability prediction in high speed machining operations

Chatter is a major problem causing poor surface finish, low material removal rate, machine tool failure, increased tool wear, excessive noise and thus increased cost for machining applications. Chatter vibrations can be avoided using stability diagrams for which tool point frequency response function (FRF) must be determined accurately. During cutting operations, due to gyroscopic moments, centrifugal forces and thermal expansions bearing dynamics change resulting in tool point FRF variations. In addition, gyroscopic moments on spindle–holder–tool assembly cause separation of modes in tool point FRF into backward and forward modes which will lead to variations in tool point FRF. Therefore, for accurate stability predictions of machining operations, effects of operational conditions on machine tool dynamics should be considered in calculations. In this study, spindle bearing dynamics are identified for various spindle rotational speeds and cutting forces. Then, for a real machining center, tool point FRFs under operating conditions are determined using the identified speed dependent bearing dynamics and the mathematical model proposed. Moreover, effects of gyroscopic moments and bearing dynamics variations on tool point FRF are examined separately. Finally, computationally determined tool point FRFs using revised bearing parameters are verified through chatter tests.     

Dynamic characterization of machining robot and stability analysis

Machining robots have major advantages over cartesian machine tools because of their flexibility, their ability to reach inaccessible areas on a complex part, and their important workspace. However, their lack of rigidity and precision is still a limit for precision tasks. Innovations and design optimization of robotic structure, links, and power transmission allow robot manufacturers to propose business solutions for machining applications. Beyond accuracy problems, it is also necessary to quantify the vibration phenomena that may affect, as in machine tools, the quality of machined parts and the tools and spindle lifespan. These vibrations occurred at specific machining conditions depending on robot and spindle dynamic properties. The robot’s posture evolved significantly in its workspace and induces dynamic’s changes observed at the tool tip that in turn impact the stability of the machining process. The objective of this paper is to quantify the dynamic behavior’s variation of an ABB IRB 6660 robot equipped with a high-speed machining (HSM) spindle in its workspace and analyze the consequences in terms of machining stability. Through an experimental modal characterization, significant variability of modal parameters is observed at the tool tip and impacts the stability of machining. The results show that an adjustment of the cutting conditions must accompany the change of robot posture during machining to ensure stability.     

Finite element modeling of ultrasonic-assisted turning: cutting force and heat generation

Abstract

Adding ultrasonic vibrations to conventional turning can improve the process in terms of cutting force, surface finish and so on. One of the most important factors in machining is the heat generation during the cutting process. In ultrasonic-assisted turning (UAT) the tool tip also vibrates at very high frequency and this sinusoidal motion causes complexity in heat modeling of the cutting system. Modeling and simulation of cutting processes can help to understand the nature of process and provides information to select optimum conditions and machining parameters. In this article, a finite element model has been developed for predicting tool tip temperature in UAT. The effect of machining parameters including cutting speed, feed rate and amplitude of vibration on the tool tip temperature has been investigated. In order to simplify the machining process, the cutting experiment has been carried out in dry condition. The results showed that by applying ultrasonic vibration to the cutting tool, the tool tip flash temperature increases but in some condition its average value could be less than the conventional machining.     

Incomplete mesh-based tool path generation for optimum zigzag milling

The majority of mechanical parts are manufactured by milling machines. Hence, geometrically efficient algorithms for tool path generation and physical considerations for better machining productivity with guarantee of machining safety are the most important issues in milling tasks. In this paper, we present an optimized path-generation algorithm for zigzag milling, which is commonly used in the roughing stage as well as in the finishing stage, based on an incomplete two-manifold mesh model, namely, an inexact polyhedron that is widely used in recent commercialized CAM software systems. First of all, a geometrically efficient tool path generation algorithm using an intersection points-graph is introduced. Although the tool path obtained from geometric information has been successful to make a desirable shape, it seldom considers physical process concerns like cutting forces and chatter. In order to cope with these problems, an optimized tool path that maintains constant MRR in order to achieve constant cutting forces and to avoid chatter vibrations at all times is introduced and the result is verified. Additional tool path segments are appended to the basic tool path by using a pixel-based simulation technique. The algorithm was implemented for two-dimensional contiguous end-milling operations with flat end mills and cutting tests were conducted by measuring the spindle current, (which reflect machining situations) to verify the significance of the proposed method.     

The turning of overlays using sintered carbide tools

Surfacing technology is used to produce layers with special properties for new parts or for worn out functional surfaces. For many parts, it is necessary to machine them to fulfill the requirements for shape, sizes, and roughness, but the machining of overlays is, in comparison with the machining of drawn or rolled semi-products, specific. Usually, the optimization of the cutting conditions issues from the long-term tool-life test results. For these tests we have experimentally determined time dependences of tool wear at different cutting speeds for every combination of overlay and cutting material. These dependences are the basis for the determination of the relationship between tool life and cutting speed for the limit of the tool wear. The relationships between cutting speed and tool life determined in this way are the initial values for the own optimization of the cutting conditions. It is usual to determine the optimum for the minimum machining costs criterion. In the calculation, all economic indexes of the workshop are included. Measuring of the overlay hardness, HRC, and of the overlay surface roughness, R_a and R_t, after machining was also part of the tests. In this paper we publish the results of long-term tool-life tests made during the turning of an overlay made by welding on the wire C 508 using the tool from the firms Kennametal Hertel, Mircona, Sandvik Coromant, Walter and Widia. In the tests we used five types of tool material in form of inserts WNMA and WNMG type. The best results were achieved using the Kennametal Hertel WNMG 080412 KC 9315 insert. During the tests we found that the roughness of the turned surface slowly increases and that extensive deterioration occurs at the end of the tool life.     

Fault detection and classification in automated assembly machines using machine vision

The geometry of rotary aircraft engine components is usually defined by thin mechanical elements and complex surfaces that are only achievable by 5-axis machining due to either limited access or the design itself. Such thin-walled characteristics make these components susceptible to vibrations while machining and usually require careful manipulation of the toolpath parameters to minimize cutting forces and vibration. Moreover, the tool suppliers’ approach leans towards the feature-build design of cutter geometry to increase the productivity and quality of a machined surface. Some examples of those recent improvements for rotary aircraft engine components are barrel-shaped tools that attempt to increase the contact radius on the tool-part interface to minimize step-over while conserving the scallop height to meet roughness tolerances. This research aims to fill a gap in the current literature by proposing a stability model for barrel-shaped tools. Stability contour maps make use of a mechanistic dynamic force model for barrel-shaped tools. The force model is also capable of including tool runout and orientation angles, tilt and lead, as named in most CAM software. By simulating dynamic forces on the time domain, a contour map is presented to address unstable vibrations. Since forced vibrations and surface location error (SLE) may also appear when milling aircraft parts, SLE and surface roughness are also determined. Finally, given the complexity and number of parameters, validation of the stability maps is performed through experimental chatter tests using a thin wall component.     

FUZZY CLUSTERING MODELLING FOR SURFACE FINISH PREDICTION IN FINE TURNING PROCESS

ABSTRACT

In this paper, fuzzy subtractive clustering based system identification and Sugeno type fuzzy inference system are used to model the surface finish of the machined surfaces in fine turning process to develop a better understanding of the effect of process parameters on surface quality. Such an understanding can provide insight into the problems of controlling the quality of the machined surface when the process parameters are adjusted to obtain certain characteristics. Surface finish data were generated for aluminum alloy 390 (73 BHN), ductile cast iron (186 BHN), and inconel 718 (BHN 335) for a wide range of machining conditions defined by cutting speed, cutting feed rate and cutting tool nose radius. These data were used to develop a surface finish prediction fuzzy clustering model as a function of hardness of the machined material, cutting speed, cutting feed rate, and cutting tool nose radius. Surface finish of the machined part is the output of the process. The model building process is carried out by using fuzzy subtracting clustering based system identification in both input and output space. Minimum error is obtained through numerous searches of clustering parameters. The fuzzy logic model is capable of predicting the surface finish for a given set of inputs (workpiece hardness, cutting speed, cutting feed rate and nose radius of the cutting tool). As such, the machinist may predict the quality of the surface for a given set of working parameters and may also set the process parameters to achieve a certain surface finish. The model is verified experimentally by further experimentation using different sets of inputs. This study deals with the experimental results obtained during fine turning operation. The findings indicate that while the effects of cutting feed and tool nose radius on surface finish were generally consistent for all materials, the effect of cutting speed was not. The surface finish improved for aluminum alloy and ductile cast iron but it deteriorated with speed for inconel.     

A method of using Hoelder exponents to monitor tool-edge wear in high-speed finish machining

Tool condition monitoring is increasingly important as a widespread application of automated, computer numerically controlled machining in a variety of modern industries. Although a significant amount of research on tool condition monitoring in machining has been conducted during the past few decades, the research is primarily focused on tool flank wear. Less attention is paid to tool-edge wear, which is a critical issue in high-speed finish machining where the feed rate is in the same magnitude as tool edge dimensions, and thus, the tool cutting edge is subjected to extensive mechanical and thermal deformation. The present study fills this important research gap in tool condition monitoring. This paper presents a method of monitoring tool-edge wear in the high-speed finish machining of an aerospace superalloy Inconel 718 by extracting Hoelder exponents from wavelet transform analysis of cutting vibrations. A total of 60 cutting experiments were conducted, covering a range of cutting speed and feed rate conditions. The experimental results show that cutting vibrations increase as tool-edge wear develops. Wavelet transform analysis can be employed to identify single local maxima of the cutting vibration signals. As tool-edge wear develops, the values of Hoelder exponents vary from 0.55 to 0.90. It is suggested that under the cutting conditions tested in the present study, 0.8 can be used as the threshold value of Hoelder exponents to differentiate severe and normal tool-edge wear.     

FUZZY CLUSTERING MODELLING FOR SURFACE FINISH PREDICTION IN FINE TURNING PROCESS

In this paper, fuzzy subtractive clustering based system identification and Sugeno type fuzzy inference system are used to model the surface finish of the machined surfaces in fine turning process to develop a better understanding of the effect of process parameters on surface quality. Such an understanding can provide insight into the problems of controlling the quality of the machined surface when the process parameters are adjusted to obtain certain characteristics. Surface finish data were generated for aluminum alloy 390 (73 BHN), ductile cast iron (186 BHN), and inconel 718 (BHN 335) for a wide range of machining conditions defined by cutting speed, cutting feed rate and cutting tool nose radius. These data were used to develop a surface finish prediction fuzzy clustering model as a function of hardness of the machined material, cutting speed, cutting feed rate, and cutting tool nose radius. Surface finish of the machined part is the output of the process. The model building process is carried out by using fuzzy subtracting clustering based system identification in both input and output space. Minimum error is obtained through numerous searches of clustering parameters. The fuzzy logic model is capable of predicting the surface finish for a given set of inputs (workpiece hardness, cutting speed, cutting feed rate and nose radius of the cutting tool). As such, the machinist may predict the quality of the surface for a given set of working parameters and may also set the process parameters to achieve a certain surface finish. The model is verified experimentally by further experimentation using different sets of inputs. This study deals with the experimental results obtained during fine turning operation. The findings indicate that while the effects of cutting feed and tool nose radius on surface finish were generally consistent for all materials, the effect of cutting speed was not. The surface finish improved for aluminum alloy and ductile cast iron but it deteriorated with speed for inconel.     

Finite element modeling of 3D turning of titanium

The finite element modeling and experimental validation of 3D turning of grade two commercially pure titanium are presented. The Third Wave AdvantEdge machining simulation software is applied for the finite element modeling. Machining experiments are conducted. The measured cutting forces and chip thickness are compared to finite element modeling results with good agreement. The effects of cutting speed, a limiting factor for productivity in titanium machining, depth of cut, and tool cutting edge radius on the peak tool temperature are investigated. This study explores the use of 3D finite element modeling to study the chip curl. Reasonable agreement is observed under turning with small depth of cut. The chip segmentation with shear band formation during the Ti machining process is investigated. The spacing between shear bands in the Ti chip is comparable with experimental measurements. Results of this research help to guide the design of new cutting tool materials and coatings and the studies of chip formation to further advance the productivity of titanium machining.     

A novel chatter stability criterion for the modelling and simulation of the dynamic milling process in the time domain

The modelling of the dynamic processes in milling and the determination of chatter-free cutting conditions are becoming increasingly important in order to facilitate the effective planning of machining operations. In this study, a new chatter stability criterion is proposed, which can be used for a time domain milling process simulation and a model-based milling process control. A predictive time domain model is presented for the simulation and analysis of the dynamic cutting process and chatter in milling. The instantaneous undeformed chip thickness is modelled to include the dynamic modulations caused by the tool vibrations so that the dynamic regeneration effect is taken into account. The cutting force is determined by using a predictive machining theory. A numerical method is employed to solve the differential equations governing the dynamics of the milling system. The work proposes that the ratio of the predicted maximum dynamic cutting force to the predicted maximum static cutting force can be used as a criterion for the chatter stability. Comparisons between the simulation and experimental results are given to verify the new model.     

Improving machinability of Inconel 718 with a new hybrid machining technique

In this paper, by joining three non-traditional machining methods — plasma-enhanced machining, cryogenic machining, and ultrasonic vibration assisted machining — a new hybrid machining technique for machining of Inconel 718 is presented. Cryogenic machining reduces the temperature in the cutting zone, and therefore decrease tool wear and increases tool life, while plasma-enhanced machining helps to increase the temperature in the workpiece to make it softer. Also, applying ultrasonic vibrations to the tool helps to improve cutting quality and to prolong tool life by lowering, mainly, the cutting force and improving the dynamic cutting stability. This study experimentally investigates the effect of cutting parameters on cutting performance in the machining of Inconel 718 and compares the results of hybrid machining and conventional machining (CM). It is found that the hybrid method results in better surface finish and improves tool life in hard cutting at low cutting speeds as compared to the CM method.