Optimization of feedrate in a face milling operation using a surface roughness model

Optimization of feedrate is valuable in terms of providing high precision and efficient machining. The surface roughness is particularly sensitive to the feedrate and the runout errors of the inserts in a face-milling operation. This paper analyzes the effects of the insert runout errors and the variation of the feedrate on the surface roughness and the dimensional accuracy in a face-milling operation using a surface roughness model. The validity of the developed model was proved through cutting experiments, and the model was used to predict the machined surface roughness from the information of the insert runouts and the cutting parameters. From the estimated surface roughness value, the optimal feedrate that gave a maximum material removal rate under the given surface roughness constraint could be selected by a bisection method. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.