Influence of cutting edge geometry and cutting edge radius on the stability of micromilling processes

The occurrence of tool vibrations in the micromilling process is undesirable because of its negative influence on the quality of microstructures. Due to the small dimensions of the undeformed chip parameter, the influence of the cutting edge on the chip formation and on the regenerative effect seems to be larger than in macrodimensions. Within this paper the results of an experimental investigation with micro end-milling cutters (d = 1 mm) are presented. Additionally, the influences of the cutting edge radius, the corner radius, and the feed per tooth on the tool vibration trajectories, the process forces, and chatter and its causes are discussed. © 2009 German Academic Society for Production Engineering (WGP).