Effect of process parameters and tool shape on the machinability of a particulate filled-polymer composite material for rapid tooling

摘要

This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the effects of machining parameters (cutting speed, feed, depth of cut) and tool shape on chip formation, surface topography, resultant cutting force and surface roughness produced in flat and ball end milling of the Ren Shape-Express 2000 aluminum particulate filled-polymer composite material. This material is shown to exhibit a brittle-to-ductile transition in chip formation with decreasing cutting speed. The transition is explained by the strain-rate sensitivity of the polymer matrix and is found to correlate well with a corresponding change in the surface roughness. The absence of clear feed marks on the milled surface explains why molds made from the composite material require less hand polishing than machined metal molds. The influence of cutting conditions and tool shape (flat end vs. ball-nose) on the cutting force, surface roughness, and workpiece breakout are discussed and relevant comparisons with conventional metal and polymer machining are made.