Effects of different cutting edge preparation methods on micro milling performance

In micro milling, which is mostly used in mold and die making, process reliability and predictability of tool failure are important. Particularly in precision and micro machining, tool breakage is hardly detectable and the requirements on accuracy are very high. Immersed tumbling is an appropriate process for the defined cutting edge preparation of micro milling tools. Its effects like increasing tool wear performance and tool life has been evaluated. In this paper, different cutting edge preparation processes showed that in cutting tests different effects occur regarding tool wear, process forces and surface quality. Immersed tumbling leads to the lowest active force Fa, but magnet finishing leads still do a slightly better surface quality.