A method for identification of geometrical tool changes during machining of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V

Summary, in English

There exists an increasing demand for cost and time efficient cutting tests for describing the performance of different combinations of cutting tools and workpiece materials in the cutting process both in industry and academia. Cutting tools are expected to withstand the heat and the pressure developed during the machining of difficult to machine materials such as Ti6Al4V. This article introduces a new test method which may be used in order to analyze both the machinability of a workpiece material as well as the cutting tool behavior. The experiments were performed by using a predefined sequence of feeds, a so called Stepwise Increased Feed Test (SIFT). A gradually increased load on the cutting edge was thus applied up to the point where plastic deformation of the cutting edge was obtained. The limit for the initial change in tool geometry was identified through analysis of measured cutting forces.