Analysis on high-speed face-milling of 7075-T6 aluminum using carbide and diamond cutters

This research is concerned with the analytical and experimental study on the high-speed face milling of 7075-T6 aluminum alloys with a single insert fly-cutter. The results are analyzed in terms of cutting forces, chip morphology, and surface integrity of the workpiece machined with carbide and diamond inserts. It is shown that a high cutting speed leads to a high chip flow angle, very low thrust forces and a high shear angle, while producing a thinner chip. Chip morphology studies indicate that shear localization can occur at higher feeds even for 7075-T6, which is known to produce continuous chips. The resultant compressive residual stresses are shown for the variation of cutting parameters and cutting tool material. The analysis of the high-speed cutting process mechanics is presented, based on the calculation results using extended oblique machining theory and finite element simulation. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.