The Inclusion of the Geometrical Shape of the Cutter into the Optimisation of the Milling Process

The paper deals with the optimisation model of cutting variables by which the manufacturing costs should be reduced to the lowest possible value. The optimisation strategy takes place in two steps by taking into account all input variables (technological limitations). First, the tool geometric variables are changed using selected cutting variables; in this way, the smallest cutting force variables are determined. Geometric variables for the case of the smallest cutting force are used for the second optimisation step in which the cutting variables are changed. Optimisation of the cutting variables is tested practically under workshop conditions. In this way, important information about the validity of the optimised values is obtained. If there are significant differences between the theoretical and practical values, then the theoretical values must be corrected (correction of cutting variables). As the study of the cutting processes requires much experimental and theoretical work and applies to a very large body of data, we have organised an information centre for cutting conditions. When forming the information centre for cutting conditions, it was impossible to avoid the requirement that the technological database must be actively included in the computer-supported integrated manufacture.