Machining cutting conditions

Machining cutting conditions

Machining cutting conditions refer to the parameters that control the machining process and directly affect the quality, efficiency, and tool life during material removal operations like turning, milling, drilling, or grinding. Properly defining these conditions is critical for achieving optimal results in terms of surface finish, dimensional accuracy, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.

Machining cutting conditions definition

The main cutting conditions are:

 1. Cutting Speed (Vc):

Definition: Cutting speed refers to the relative velocity between the cutting tool and the workpiece. It is typically expressed in meters per minute (m/min) or feet per minute (ft/min).

Formula: 

• Vc (SFM) = (RPM x D) / 3.82

Where:

  • Vc = Cutting speed in surface feet per minute (SFM)
  • RPM = Spindle speed in revolutions per minute
  • D = Workpiece diameter in inches

• Vc (m/min) = (RPM x D x π) / 1000

Where:

  • Vc = Cutting speed in meters per minute (m/min)
  • RPM = Spindle speed in revolutions per minute
  • D = Workpiece diameter in millimeters
  • π = Pi (approximately 3.14159)

Factors Influencing Cutting Speed:

  • Material being machined (hardness, toughness)
  • Tool material (e.g., carbide, high-speed steel)
  • Desired surface finish and tool life
  • Machine capabilities

 2. Feed Rate (f):

Definition: Feed rate refers to the distance the tool travels along the workpiece per revolution of the spindle (for turning) or per tooth (for milling). It is typically measured in millimeters per revolution (mm/rev) or inches per revolution (in/rev).

Formula for Turning:

• f (IPR) = I / RPM

Where:

  • f = Feed rate in inches per revolution (IPR)
  • I = Cutting length per minute in inches per minute (IPM)
  • RPM = Spindle speed in revolutions per minute

• f (mm/rev) = I / RPM

Where:

  • f = Feed rate in millimeters per revolution (mm/rev)
  • I = Cutting length per minute in millimeters per minute (mm/min)
  • RPM = Spindle speed in revolutions per minute

Formula for Milling:

Vf = N×fz×Z

Where:

  • Vf = Feed rate (mm/min or inch/min)
  • N = Spindle speed (revolutions per minute, RPM)
  • fz = Feed per revolution (mm/rev or inch/rev)
  • Z = Number of teeth (for multi-tooth tools, like milling cutters)

Factors Influencing Feed Rate:

  • Workpiece material
  • Surface finish requirements
  • Tool geometry
  • Machine rigidity

 3. Depth of Cut (ap):

Definition: Depth of cut is the thickness of material removed from the workpiece in a single pass. It is measured in millimeters (mm) or inches (in).

Types:

  • Radial depth of cut (for milling): The width of the cut taken by the tool.
  • Axial depth of cut (for milling): The depth of the cut along the axis of the tool.

Factors Influencing Depth of Cut:

  • Power of the machine
  • Rigidity of the setup (tool, workpiece, and machine)
  • Type of operation (roughing vs. finishing)
  • Material hardness

 4. Spindle Speed (N):

Definition: Spindle speed refers to the rotational speed of the spindle holding the cutting tool or the workpiece. It is typically measured in revolutions per minute (RPM).

Formula:

RPM = (Vc x 3.82) / D

Where:

  • RPM = Spindle speed in revolutions per minute
  • Vc = Cutting speed in surface feet per minute (SFM)
  • D = Workpiece diameter in inches

Example of cutting speed value

Mill Cutting Speeds (SFM)surface ft/min 
MaterialHSS Carbide
Aluminum600800
Brass175175
Delrin400800
Polycarbonate300500
Stainless Steel (303)80300
Steel (4140)70350
Milling Speed Data(SFM)

RPM = (Vc x 1000) / (D x π)

Where:

  • RPM = Spindle speed in revolutions per minute
  • Vc = Cutting speed in meters per minute (m/min)
  • D = Workpiece diameter in millimeters
  • π = Pi (approximately 3.14159)

Factors Influencing Spindle Speed:

  • Cutting speed required for the material
  • Tool diameter
  • Machine capability

5. Coolant/Lubrication:

Coolant helps dissipate heat generated during machining, improves tool life, and enhances surface finish. The type of coolant (oil-based, water-based, or air) depends on the material being machined and the cutting conditions.

 6. Chip Load:

Chip load is the amount of material removed by each cutting edge per revolution. For milling, it can be calculated as:

Chip Load = Feed Rate\(Number of Teeth x Spindle Speed)

 7. Material Removal Rate (MRR):

Material removal rate indicates how much material is removed per unit of time. It is calculated as:

MRR (in^3/min) = DOC x WOC x f x RPM

Where:

  • MRR = Metal removal rate in cubic inches per minute
  • DOC = Depth of cut in inches
  • WOC = Width of cut in inches
  • f = Feed rate in inches per revolution (IPR)
  • RPM = Spindle speed in revolutions per minute

MRR (mm^3/min) = DOC x WOC x f x RPM

Where:

  • MRR = Metal removal rate in cubic millimeters per minute
  • DOC = Depth of cut in millimeters
  • WOC = Width of cut in millimeters
  • f = Feed rate in millimeters per revolution (mm/rev)
  • RPM = Spindle speed in revolutions per minute    

 8. Surface Finish Requirements:

Finishing operations require lower feed rates and shallower depths of cut compared to roughing operations to achieve better surface finishes.

Define Machining Cutting Conditions

 Steps to Define Machining Cutting Conditions:

1. Identify the Material:

Determine the material properties (e.g., hardness, toughness) of the workpiece and select appropriate cutting tools and speeds.

2. Select the Tool Material:

Choose the right tool material (e.g., carbide, HSS, ceramic) based on the workpiece material and desired cutting speed.

3. Determine Cutting Speed (Vc):

Use manufacturer recommendations or machining handbooks to find the optimal cutting speed for the given material-tool combination.

4. Spindle Speed (N):

Calculate the spindle speed (N).

5. Set Feed Rate (f):

Based on the surface finish requirements, tool geometry, and machine rigidity, set an appropriate feed rate.

6. Choose Depth of Cut (ap):

Select a depth of cut that balances productivity with machine power and tool wear considerations.

7. Adjust for Coolant/Lubrication:

Ensure proper coolant application to reduce heat and improve tool life.

8. Test and Optimize:

Perform trial cuts, monitor tool wear, and adjust cutting parameters as needed to optimize the process.

Example Calculation of Machining Cutting Conditions:

Suppose you are turning a steel workpiece with the following parameters:

– Workpiece diameter ( D ) = 50 mm

– Desired cutting speed ( Vc ) = 150 m/min

– Feed rate ( f ) = 0.2 mm/rev

– Depth of cut ( ap ) = 2 mm

1. Spindle Speed (N):

   N = 1000 Vc\(pi x D ) = 150 x 1000\pi x 50 = 955 {RPM}

2. Feed Rate (Vf):

Vf = fz x N = 0.2 x 955 = 191 {mm/min}

3. Material Removal Rate (MRR):

MRR = ap fz N = 2 x 0.2 x 955 = 382 {mm^3/min}

Important Notes:

By following this systematic approach, you can define the appropriate machining cutting conditions for your specific application.

When setting up cutting conditions, it’s recommended to:

  • Start with conservative speeds and feeds
  • Gradually increase until optimal parameters are found
  • Monitor for any deflection or vibration in the wooden structure
  • Adjust based on actual cutting performance and finish quality

These formulas are for general guidance and may need to be adjusted based on specific machining conditions and material properties. For example for drilling the cutting speed changes depending on the type of operation.

Drill Cutting Speeds (SFM) surface ft/min  
MaterialDrillingC-SinkReamerTap
Aluminum300200150100
Brass1209066100
Delrin15010075100
Polycarbonate240160120100
Stainless Steel (303)50352535
Steel (4140)90604535

Always consult the machine tool manufacturer’s recommendations and cutting tool catalogs for specific cutting data.

Consider factors like tool life, surface finish requirements, and machine capabilities when selecting cutting conditions.

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