A force-model-based approach to estimating cutter axis offset in ball end milling

Cutter runout due to cutter axis offset is quite common in a milling process, yet it is difficult to directly measure the runout geometry of a ball end cutter during the cutting process. This paper presents an analytical method for the estimation of cutter radial offset via forces in ball end milling. Closed form expression for the total milling force in the presence of cutter offset is first obtained. Fourier series coefficients for the offset related force component are shown to be expressed explicitly in terms of the offset geometry and serve as the basis for the identification of the offset geometry from the measured cutting forces. The offset geometry including its magnitude and the phase angle are directly calculated from the measured force component at the spindle frequency through two algebraic expressions. The identification method is finally validated by milling experiments.