A modified offset cutter path strategy for high-speed rough milling hardened steel

摘要

Previous work has shown that the use of an offset cutter path strategy when high-speed rough milling hardened steel using an axial depth of 15mm resulted in the lowest tool life as compared to the use of raster and single-direction raster strategies [1]. The paper describes a novel approach on improving the offset cutter path strategy by selecting the proper entrance and exit conditions in order to improve the volume of metal removed and tool life. The effects of an offset strategy and a modified offset strategy are investigated in terms of the tool life, tool wear and cutting force signatures generated. It was found that the modified offset strategy showed a near four-fold increase in tool life. This was mainly attributed to the avoidance of cutter in-feed that occurred in the middle of the workpiece.