Performance of helical router bit in milling of composite boards

Abstract

Abstract An extreme inclination angle of helical cutting tool edge has been developed in milling of new commercially composite boards. The purpose of this research was to investigate wear resistance, chip formation, surface roughness, and noise level of helical edge router bits in milling composite boards. The composite boards of wood plastic composite, laminated veneer lumber, and strand board were cut by the helical edge router bits (helical angle 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75°) in a computer numerical control router. The results show that the helical edges provide better wear resistance, smoother surface of machined composite boards, and lower noise emission compared to the conventional edge (0°). Edge wear, surface roughness, and noise level decreased with increasing helix angle of the edge router bits. The differences in structure among the composite boards resulted in the difference in cutting tool wear, chip formation, surface roughness, and noise level phenomenon. The 75° inclination angle of router bit provided the highest wear resistance, better surface of machined composite board, and the lowest noise level.