Stability Prediction and Step Optimization of Trochoidal Milling

Abstract

When machining narrow grooves, corners, and other complex cavities with trochoidal milling, the irrationally large trochoidal step usually leads to chatter, while the conservative trochoidal step constrains the machining efficiency. In this paper, a stability prediction model of trochoidal milling is established to solve these problems. An approach considering trochoidal steps and spindle speeds is presented to predict stability boundary of trochoidal milling. With considering the varying cutter-workpiece engagements, the stability of trochoidal milling process is predicted by obtaining the stability lobes of different cutter location (CL) points along the trochoidal milling tool paths. Based on the proposed stability model, a trochoidal step optimization strategy is developed to improve the machining efficiency of trochoidal milling under other parameters in a given situation. Cutting experiments are performed on the machining center GMC 1600H/2 to show the effectiveness of the proposed trochoidal milling stability model. Finally, simulations are adopted to illustrate the optimization strategy.