A new method for the identification of stability lobes in machining

This paper introduces a new method for identifying the stability lobes in milling. The method depends on ramping the spindle speed while monitoring the behaviour of a chatter indicator. Based on the pattern of this indicator, the stability lobes are located accurately. The lobes are identified on-line without stopping the machine. It is not necessary to calculate the frequency spectrum of any vibration signal. The method was tested successfully in immersion down-milling and was shown to be applicable to slotting. Experimental results showed that the frequency characteristics of the stability lobes identified using the developed method are the same as those of the lobes established using constant speed cutting.