Analysis of cutting forces and chip formation in milling of marble

In this study, high-speed milling of marble was conducted with a coated carbide ball nose end mill. Single-factor cutting tests were designed to investigate the effect of milling parameters on cutting forces and marble chips. It was found that the cutting forces in three directions increased with the increasing feed rate and decreased with the increasing cutting speed. The morphology and particle size of marble chips were analyzed. The transgranular fracture was found to be the predominant failure mode in the milling process. In addition, it was found that the particle size of marble chips increased with the increasing feed rate and decreased with the increasing cutting speed. There was an obvious positive correlation between the cutting forces and chip formation. The experimental results were significant for a better understanding of the material removal mechanism and selection of cutting parameters in the machining of rock materials.