High-speed machining of aluminium using diamond endmills

Milling experiments on aluminum alloy were carried out using a laboratory-designed diamond endmill. The machining of aluminium alloy using a conventional tool at a conventional cutting speed generally results in short tool-life, poor surface quality and poor edge finishes because of the formation of built-up edges and burrs. The machining technology of aluminum alloy surfaces with a good surface finish and edge finishing is very important and required in many industries. The experimental results reveal the possibility of machining a mirror-like aluminum alloy without built-up edges and burrs using the designed diamond endmill at high speed. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.