Analytical model to estimate optimum cutting conditions when turning free machining stainless steel

This study develops software that provides optimum lathe cutting conditions for specific materials and parameters. This is accomplished by developing a model, which estimates the optimum cutting conditions, for a single pass, external turning operation. The developed analytical model introduces manufacturing economics into a decision-making process which heretofore relied primarily on the lathe operator's experience and standard handbooks. Data was obtained through the use of a statistically designed experiment on an instrumented lathe. The methodology used to develop the model was based on published literature, the experimentation data, and several widely accepted equations defining tool-life and tool-workpiece relationships.