Prediction of chatter stability in high-speed finishing end milling considering multi-mode dynamics

The strong demand for increasing productivity and workpiece quality in high-speed milling make the machine-tool system has to operate close to the limit of its dynamic stability. This requires that the chatter stability is predicted accurately to determine the optimal milling parameters. An analytical stability prediction method was proposed with multidegree-of-freedom (MDOF) system modal analysis. This paper describes the development of this new method which allows considering the effects of multi-mode dynamics of system, higher excited frequency (i.e. tooth passing frequency) and wider spindle speed range on stability limits in high-speed milling, and these to help in selection of milling parameters for a maximum material removal rates (MRR) in real operations without chatter. Some tests were carried out to demonstrate the quality of this method used in real machining. Final, the main influencing factors of stability limits in high-speed milling were analyzed. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.