Chatter suppression via an oscillating cutter

Chatter is one of the critical issues in a machining process since it deteriorates the surface quality of a workpiece and reduces machining efficiency. A new method is developed to suppress chatter in which an oscillating cutter is used to machine the workpiece through a stepping motor and a transmission mechanism so as to vary tool rake angle continuously and periodically in process. Theoretical analyses are performed on the stability of the cutting system, and verified by the experimental studies. Both theoretical analyses and experimental results indicate that the method can suppress chatter in a turning process effectively. With the application of an oscillating cutter, the amplitude can be reduced by 80 percent in cutting a steel workpiece.