Surface characteristics generated in CNC chip breaking tool paths

One method for creating broken chips in turning processes involves oscillating the cutting tool in the feed direction utilizing the CNC machine axes. Using computer simulations it is possible to combine the motion of the axes with the geometry of the cutting tool to predict the surface characteristics, mapping surface parameters for a wide range of chip breaking situations. These data allow the selection of chip breaking cutting parameters to simultaneously ensure broken chips, and acceptable surface characteristics. This paper describes the computational method, and presents results of comparison for cutting tests using single axis, linear taper and outer contouring motions. (C) 2010 CIRP.