Prediction of Ball End Milling Forces

Abstract

Mechanics of milling with ball ended helical cutters are modeled. The model is based on the analytic representation of ball shaped helical flute geometry, and its rake and clearance surfaces. It is assumed that friction and pressure loads on the rake face are proportional to the uncut chip thickness area. The load on the flank contact face is concentrated on the in cut portion of the cutting edge. The pressure and friction coefficients are identified from a set of slot ball end milling tests at different feeds and axial depth of cuts, and are used to predict the cutting forces for various cutting conditions. The experimentally verified model accurately predicts the cutting forces in three Cartesian directions.