Surface Quality Prediction in Case of Steep Free Form Surface Milling

Abstract

The machining of free form surfaces is a current and important issue in die and mould industry. Beside the complex geometry, an accurate and productive machining and good surface quality are needed. The finishing milling carried out by a ball-end or toroid milling cutter defines the surface quality, which is characterized by the surface roughness and the tool path trace. The surface quality is defined by the properties of the milling cutter, the type of surface and its position, as well as the cutting parameters. This article focuses on the z-level milling of steep surfaces by 2.5D milling strategy. The importance of the different elements of the tool path is presented, the effect of cutting parameters is investigated, and a formula to predict the surface roughness is suggested.