Automatic In-Process Chatter Avoidance in the High-Speed Milling Process

Abstract

High-speed milling is often used in industry to maximize productivity of the manufacturing of high-technology components, such as aeronautical components, mold, and dies. The occurrence of chatter highly limits the efficiency and accuracy of high-speed milling operations. In this paper, two control strategies are presented that guarantee a chatter-free high-speed milling operation by automatic adaptation of spindle speed and feed. Moreover, the proposed strategies are robust for changing process conditions (e.g., due to heating of the spindle or tool wear). An important part of the control strategy is the detection of chatter. A novel chatter detection algorithm is presented that automatically detects chatter in an online fashion and in a premature phase such that no visible marks on the workpiece are present. Experiments on a state-of-the-art high-speed milling machine underline the effectiveness of the proposed detection and control strategies.