Investigation into on-line optimization of cutting tool geometry.
Loading...
Date
1996
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Metal cutting is an important process used to
manufacture components with machined surfaces or holes.
Due to the wide usage o f this manufacturing process,
research with the aim to optimize the cutting processes
is important. Improving cutting techniques even mild)s
can result in major cost savings in high volume
production. Better machining practices will result in
products of better precision and of greater useful
life . Benefits can also be had from increasing the rate
of production and producing a bigger variety of ..
products with the tools available. The area of metal
cutting has been researched widely by people like
Tourrett, Taylor, Cohen, Davis and many others to find
improved techniques and methods. This project was
conducted to improve cutting conditions by ensuring
that the tool geometry is always optimal . The effect of
tool geometry on cutting performance has been discussed
in detail by many researchers, but the practical
application of these theories is an area that needs
further attention. For this project a device was
developed to vary the tool geometry with stepper motors
on command from the controller. This device was used
for research into the viability of varying tool
geometry during machining to obtain different cutting
conditions. Stepper motors ensure high accuracy in the
control of tool geometries. The ease of controlling
stepper motors, also simplified the controlling program
and communication devices a lot. Rotating the stepper
motors results in rotation o f the tool holder around
the tool tip. Tool angles are varied without affecting
the other cutting parameters like the depth o f cut,
metal removal rate and cutting speed. With these
cutting parameters staying the same, the change in tool
geometry should result in a change in the power
consumed during cutting and the force required for
cutting . Other measurements for cutting performance like temperature of the tool and workpiece and the
acoustic print of the tool will also change. Results
prove that cutting force measurement can be used
effectively to measure the optimal cutting conditions .
The back rake angles and side rake angles have the
biggest influence of all the tool angles on metal
cutting . This is demonstrated by a number of
researchers [28] as discussed in section 2 . 2. This thesis
proves how the on-line changing of tool geometry,
ensures the optimal cutting conditions.
Description
Thesis (Ph.D.-Mechanical Engineering)-University of Natal, 1996.
Keywords
Metal-cutting tools., Metal-cutting--Automatic control., Stepping motors., Theses--Mechanical engineering.