Temperature control and machine dynamics in chip breaking using CNC toolpaths

The use of oscillating CNC toolpaths has been shown to provide a reliable chip breaking alternative to conventional methods. This paper builds on that work by assessing the effect of the oscillating toolpaths on the temperature during the cutting process. Keeping the interface temperature below a critical threshold reduces tool wear. This is particularly useful for machining in difficult materials where tool wear is an issue, and for materials which are pyrophoric. Thermal imaging results show a reduction in temperature for oscillating toolpaths. However, the choice of cutting conditions is affected by the capability of the machine tool to achieve the commanded toolpaths. (C) 2009 CIRP.