Influence of Chatter of VMC Arising During End Milling Operation and Cutting Conditions on Quality of Machined Surface

Abstract

Machine tool chatter is a dynamic instability of the cutting process. Chatter results in poor part surface finish, damaged cutting tool, and an irritating and unacceptable noise. Exten¬sive research has been undertaken to study the mechanisms of chatter formation. Efforts have been also made to prevent the occurrence of chatter vibration. Even though some progress have been made, fundamental studies on the mechanics of metal cutting are necessary to achieve chatter free operation of CNC machine tools to maintain their smooth operating cycle. The same is also true for Vertical Machining Centres (VMC), which operate at high cutting speeds and are capable of offering high metal removal rates. The present work deals with the effect of work materials, cutting conditions and diameter of end mill cutters on the frequency-amplitude characteristics of chatter and on machined surface roughness. Vibration data were recorded using an experimental rig consisting of KISTLER 3-component dynamometer model 9257B, amplifier, scope meters and a PC.  Three different types of vibrations were observed. The first type was a low frequency vibration, associated with the interrupted nature of end mill operation. The second type of vibration was associated with the instability of the chip formation process and the third type was due to chatter. The frequency of the last type remained practically unchanged over a wide range of cutting speed.  It was further observed that chip-tool contact processes had considerable effect on the roughness of the machined surface.

Key Words: Chatter, Cutting Conditions, Stable Cutting, Surface Roughness.