Cutting tool geometry for plunge milling - process optimization for a stainless steel

Roughing strategies are gaining commercial relevance driven by increasing number of components in the energy sector. However, machining strategies which provide high material removal rates at large tool aspect ratios are still not available. Within this paper the stability and performance of plunge milling is investigated. The engagement condition of the tool is analyzed depending on the process parameters and micro-geometry of the tool. The process stability and performance is verified by cutting tests in X3CrNiMo13-4 attended by cutting force acquisition. The crucial geometrical features of the tool in combination with the process parameter choice are presented for plunge milling operations.