Trochoidal Milling Path with Variable Feed. Application to the Machining of a Ti-6Al-4V Part

Abstract

Trochoidal milling is a well-stablished machining strategy which still allows for the introduction of new approaches. This strategy can be applied to any kind of material, although it is usually associated to advanced materials, such as titanium and nickel alloys. This study is based on the adaptation of the feed speed of a milling tool with Ti-6Al-4V, so the chip width can be maintained constant without modifying the path geometry. A singularity in the experimental stage was to mill an Archimedes spiral groove instead of the conventional straight grooves. This made it possible to obtain a concave wall as well as a convex one and to optimize the amount of material used. The time efficiency compared to a constant feed, was slightly superior to 20%, reducing tool wear also. These techniques require milling machines with high mechanical and kinematic performance, as well as the absence of clearance between joints and a high acceleration capacity.