Showing papers on "Machining published in 2004"

State of the art in wire electrical discharge machining (wedm)

Abstract: Wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) is a specialised thermal machining process capable of accurately machining parts with varying hardness or complex shapes, which have sharp edges that are very difficult to be machined by the main stream machining processes. This practical technology of the WEDM process is based on the conventional EDM sparking phenomenon utilising the widely accepted non-contact technique of material removal. Since the introduction of the process, WEDM has evolved from a simple means of making tools and dies to the best alternative of producing micro-scale parts with the highest degree of dimensional accuracy and surface finish quality. Over the years, the WEDM process has remained as a competitive and economical machining option fulfilling the demanding machining requirements imposed by the short product development cycles and the growing cost pressures. However, the risk of wire breakage and bending has undermined the full potential of the process drastically reducing the efficiency and accuracy of the WEDM operation. A significant amount of research has explored the different methodologies of achieving the ultimate WEDM goals of optimising the numerous process parameters analytically with the total elimination of the wire breakages thereby also improving the overall machining reliability. This paper reviews the vast array of research work carried out from the spin-off from the EDM process to the development of the WEDM. It reports on the WEDM research involving the optimisation of the process parameters surveying the influence of the various factors affecting the machining performance and productivity. The paper also highlights the adaptive monitoring and control of the process investigating the feasibility of the different control strategies of obtaining the optimal machining conditions. A wide range of WEDM industrial applications are reported together with the development of the hybrid machining processes. The final part of the paper discusses these developments and outlines the possible trends for future WEDM research.

A review of developments towards dry and high speed machining of Inconel 718 alloy

Abstract: The increasing attention to the environmental and health impacts of industry activities by governmental regulation and by the growing awareness in society is forcing manufacturers to reduce the use of lubricants. In the machining of aeronautical materials, classified as difficult-to-machine materials, the consumption of cooling lubricant during the machining operations is very important. The associated costs of coolant acquisition, use, disposal and washing the machined components are significant, up to four times the cost of consumable tooling used in the cutting operations. To reduce the costs of production and to make the processes environmentally safe, the goal of the aeronautical manufacturers is to move toward dry cutting by eliminating or minimising cutting fluids. This goal can be achieved by a clear understanding of the cutting fluid function in machining operations, in particular in high speed cutting, and by the development and the use of new materials for tools and coatings. High speed cutting is another important aspect of advanced manufacturing technology introduced to achieve high productivity and to save machining cost. The combination of high speed cutting and dry cutting for difficult-to-cut aerospace materials is the growing challenge to deal with the economic, environmental and health aspects of machining. In this paper, attention is focussed on Inconel 718 and recent work and advances concerning machining of this material are presented. In addition, some solutions to reduce the use of coolants are explored, and different coating techniques to enable a move towards dry machining are examined.

An Environmental Analysis of Machining

Abstract: This paper presents a system-level environmental analysis of machining. The analysis presented here considers not only the environmental impact of the material removal process itself, but also the impact of associated processes such as material preparation and cutting fluid preparation. This larger system view results in a more complete assessment of machining. Energy analyses show that the energy requirements of actual material removal can be quite small when compared to the total energy associated with machine tool operation. Also, depending on the energy intensity of the materials being machined, the energy of material production can, in some cases, far exceed the energy required for machine tool operation.Copyright © 2004 by ASME

Multi frequency solution of chatter stability for low immersion milling

Abstract: Finish milling is usually required in the peripheral milling of thin aircraft webs with long end mills, where the structures are flexible and radial depths of cut are small. The spindle speed and depth of cut must be selected optimally to avoid both forced and chatter vibrations, which in turn enables production of the parts within specified tolerances. Recent articles show that stability pockets differ at certain speeds when the radial immersion in milling is low and the machining process is highly intermittent. This paper presents a stability theory which predicts chatter stability lobes that are not covered by classical chatter theories in which the coupling between the spindle speed and process stability are neglected. The dynamics of low radial immersion milling are formulated as an eigenvalue problem, where harmonics of the tooth spacing angle and spread of the transfer function with the harmonics of the tooth passing frequencies are considered. It is shown that the stability lobes are accurately predicted with the presented method. This paper details the physics involved when the tooth passing frequencies alter the effective transfer function of the structure in the stability solution. The products of the harmonics of the directional coefficients and transfer functions of the structure are evaluated at the natural mode under the influence of tooth passing frequency harmonics in order to obtain the exact locations of chatter stability lobes.

Tribology of Abrasive Machining Processes

Abstract: This book draws upon the science of tribology to understand, predict and improve abrasive machining processes. Pulling together information on how abrasives work, the authors, who are renowned experts in abrasive technology, demonstrate how tribology can be applied as a tool to improve abrasive machining processes. Each of the main elements of the abrasive machining system are looked at, and the tribological factors that control the efficiency and quality of the processes are described. Since grinding is by far the most commonly employed abrasive machining process, it is dealt with in particular detail. Solutions are posed to many of the most commonly experienced industrial problems, such as poor accuracy, poor surface quality, rapid wheel wear, vibrations, work-piece burn and high process costs. This practical approach makes this book an essential tool for practicing engineers. Uses the science of tribology to improve understanding and of abrasive machining processes in order to increase performance, productivity and surface quality of final products. A comprehensive reference on how abrasives work, covering kinematics, heat transfer, thermal stresses, molecular dynamics, fluids and the tribology of lubricants. Authoritative and ground-breaking in its first edition, the 2nd edition includes 30 per cent new and updated material, including new topics such as CMP (Chemical Mechanical Polishing) and precision machining for micro-and nano-scale applications.

Machining Process Monitoring and Control: The State-of-the-Art

Abstract: Research in automating the process level of machining operations has been conducted, in both academia and industry, over the past few decades. This work is motivated by a strong belief that research in this area will provide increased productivity, improved part quality, reduced costs, and relaxed machine design constraints. The basis for this belief is twofold. First, machining process automation can be applied to both large batch production environments and small batch jobs. Second, process automation can autonomously tune machine parameters (feed, speed, depth of cut, etc.) on-line and off-line to substantially increase the machine tool's performance in terms of part tolerances and surface finish, operation cycle time, etc. Process automation holds the promise of bridging the gap between product design and process planning, while reaching beyond the capability of a human operator. The success of manufacturing process automation hinges primarily on the effectiveness of the process monitoring and control systems. This paper discusses the evolution of machining process monitoring and control technologies and conducts an in-depth review of the state-of-the-art of these technologies over the past decade. The research in each area is highlighted with experimental and simulation examples. Open architecture software platforms that provide the means to implement process monitoring and control systems are also reviewed. The impact, industrial realization, and future trends of machining process monitoring and control technologies are also discussed.

On the Modeling and Analysis of Machining Performance in Micro-Endmilling, Part I: Surface Generation

Abstract: This paper examines the surface generation process in the micro-endmilling of both single-phase and multiphase workpiece materials. We used 508 μm dia endmills with edge radii of 2 and 5 μm to machine slots in ferrite, pearlite, and two ductile iron materials at feed rates ranging from 0.25 to 3.0 mm/flute. A surface generation model to predict the surface roughness for the slot floor centerline is then developed based on the minimum chip thickness concept. The minimum chip thickness values were found through finite element simulations for the ferrite and pearlite materials. The model is shown to accurately predict the surface roughness for single-phase materials, viz., ferrite and pearlite. Two phenomena were found to combine to generate an optimal feed rate for the surface generation of single-phase materials: (i) the geometric effect of the tool and process geometry and (ii) the minimum chip thickness effect. The surface roughness measurements for the ductile iron workpieces indicate that the micromilling surface generation process for multiphase workpiece materials is also affected by the interrupted chip-formation process as the cutting edge moves between phases resulting in burrs at the phase boundaries and the associated increases in surface roughness.

Residual stress and surface roughness when facing age hardened Inconel 718 with CBN and ceramic cutting tools

Abstract: The demand for increasing productivity when machining heat resistant super alloys has resulted in the use of advanced cutting tools such as ceramics and cubic boron nitride (CBN). However, the effects of these tools on the surface integrity, especially the residual stresses created, in the high speed facing operation of Inconel 718 has not been dealt with. In this paper, the residual stresses and the surface roughness when facing age hardened Inconel 718 using CBN and mixed ceramic cutting tools at their respective optimum performance based on productivity has been investigated. The residual stress and surface finish generated during facing with CBN cutting tools have been investigated as a function of speed, depth of cut, coolant, tool geometry and nature of the tool coating. In addition, mixed ceramic cutting tools have been investigated for comparison. The results show that mixed ceramic cutting tools induce tensile residual stresses with a much higher magnitude than CBN cutting tools. The residual stresses and the surface roughness generated by CBN cutting tools are more sensitive to cutting speeds than depth of cut. The use of coolant results in either compressive residual stresses or lowers the magnitude of the tensile residual stresses, whereas dry cutting always resulted in tensile residual stresses. From this investigation, it is suggested that round CBN cutting tools should be used at slow cutting speeds (150 m/min) and small depths of cut (0.05 mm) and with the use of coolant to achieve compressive or minimal tensile residual stresses and good surface finish.

The assessment of cutting tool wear

Abstract: Flank wear of cutting tools is often selected as the tool life criterion because it determines the diametric accuracy of machining, its stability and reliability. This paper argues that the existing criteria of flank wear are insufficient for its proper characterization. Their existence is due to the lack of knowledge on the contact conditions at the tool flank–workpiece interface. Known attempts to evaluate the physical processes at this interface do not help to resolve this issue. This paper compares different characteristics of the evaluation of flank wear. The contact process at the mentioned interface is analyzed through the experimental assessment of the contact stresses, and the full validity of Makarow’s law is confirmed, i.e. minimum tool wear occurs at the optimum cutting speed. A new concept of tool resources is proposed and discussed. This resource is defined as the limiting amount of energy that can be transmitted through the cutting wedge until it fails.

Machining of NiTi based shape memory alloys

Abstract: The machinability of NiTi based shape memory alloys has been examined. Starting with turning experiments, cutting parameters were varied within a wide range. In addition, the influence of the cooling lubricant concept was investigated. After reaching acceptable results for turning, the field of investigation was extended to the drilling process. Furthermore, first examinations regarding deep hole drilling of tubes from NiTi shape memory alloy were carried out. The machining process was optimised with respect to environmental and commercial aspects with minimal influence on the characteristics of the shape memory alloys. The machining process was evaluated in terms of tool wear, cutting forces and machining quality. The tool wear was analysed with a scanning electron microscope and the influence of the machining on the subsurface zone was investigated by micro hardness measurements.

On the Modeling and Analysis of Machining Performance in Micro-Endmilling, Part II: Cutting Force Prediction

Abstract: In Part II of this paper, a cutting force model for the micro-endmilling process is developed. This model incorporates the minimum chip thickness concept in order to predict the effects of the cutter edge radius on the cutting forces. A new chip thickness computation algorithm is developed to include the minimum chip thickness effect. A slip-line plasticity force model is used to predict the force when the chip thickness is greater than the minimum chip thickness, and an elastic deformation force model is employed when the chip thickness is less than the minimum chip thickness. Orthogonal, microstructure-level finite element simulations are used to calibrate the parameters of the force models for the primary metallurgical phases, ferrite and pearlite, of multiphase ductile iron workpieces. The model is able to predict the magnitudes of the forces for both the ferrite and pearlite workpieces as well as for the ductile iron workpieces within 20%. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1813471#

Surface integrity when machining age hardened Inconel 718 with coated carbide cutting tools

Abstract: Considerable attention has been given to the use of ceramic cutting tools for improving productivity in the machining of heat resistant super alloys (HRSA). However, because of their negative influence on the surface integrity, ceramic tools are generally avoided particularly for finishing applications. As a result the main high end manufacturers are more or less dependent on carbide cutting tools for finishing operations. Still the improper use of carbide cutting tools can also result in poor surface integrity. The objective of this investigation is to develop a set of guidelines, which will assist the selection of the appropriate cutting tools and conditions for generating favorable compressive residual stresses. This paper specifically deals with residual stresses and surface finish components of surface integrity when machining (facing) age hardened Inconel 718 using two grades of coated carbide cutting tools specifically developed for machining HRSAs. The cutting conditions were obtained from investigations based on optimum tool performance. The effect of insert shape, cutting edge preparation, type and nose radius on both residual stresses and surface finish was studied at this optimum cutting condition. This investigation, suggested that coated carbide cutting tool inserts of round shape, chamfered cutting edge preparation, negative type and small nose radius (0.8 mm) and coolant will generate primarily compressive residual stresses.

Advancement in electrochemical micro-machining

Abstract: Electrochemical micro-machining (EMM) appears to be very promising as a future micro-machining technique, since in many areas of applications it offers several advantages, which include higher machining rate, better precision and control, and a wide range of materials that can be machined. In this paper, a review is presented on current research, development and industrial practice in micro-ECM. This paper highlights the influence of various predominant factors of EMM such as controlled material removal, machining accuracy, power supply, design and development of microtool, role of inter-electrode gap and electrolyte, etc. EMM can be effectively used for high precision machining operations, that is, for accuracies of the order of ±1 μm on 50 μm. Some industrial applications of EMM have also been reported. Further research into EMM will open up many challenging opportunities of improvement towards greater machining accuracy, new materials machining and generation of complex shapes for effective utilization of ECM in the micro-machining domain.

Liquid-assisted femtosecond laser drilling of straight and three-dimensional microchannels in glass

Abstract: Ultra-short-pulse lasers have proved to be effective tools for micromachining a wide range of materials. When the ultra-short laser pulse is focused inside the bulk of a transparent medium, nonlinear absorption occurs only near the focal volume that is subjected to high intensity. Three-dimensional structures can be fabricated inside transparent materials by taking advantage of this volumetric absorption. In this paper, femtosecond laser pulses were used to fabricate straight and bent through-channels. Drilling was initiated from the rear surface to preserve consistent absorption of the laser pulse. When the debris was not removed efficiently, variation of the channel diameter and occasional termination of the drilling process were observed. Machining in the presence of a liquid and additional use of ultrasonic wave agitation facilitated the debris ejection. The machined channels had diameters on the order of tens of microns, high aspect ratios, and good wall-surface quality.

Milling error prediction and compensation in machining of low-rigidity parts

Abstract: The paper reports on a new integrated methodology for modelling and prediction of surface errors caused by deflection during machining of low-rigidity components. The proposed approach is based on identifying and modelling key processing characteristics that influence part deflection, predicting the workpiece deflection through an adaptive flexible theoretical force-FEA deflection model and providing an input for downstream decision making on error compensation. A new analytical flexible force model suitable for static machining error prediction of low-rigidity components is proposed. The model is based on an extended perfect plastic layer model integrated with a FE model for prediction of part deflection. At each computational step, the flexible force is calculated by taking into account the changes of the immersion angles of the engaged teeth. The material removal process at any infinitesimal segment of the milling cutter teeth is considered as oblique cutting, for which the cutting force is calculated using an orthogonal–oblique transformation. This study aims to increase the understanding of the causes of poor geometric accuracy by considering the impact of the machining forces on the deflection of thin-wall structures. The reported work is a part of an ongoing research for developing an adaptive machining planning environment for surface error modelling and prediction and selection of process and tool path parameters for rapid machining of complex low-rigidity high-accuracy parts.