Abstract
A slot cut in end milling processes is one of the laborious works because the cutting force is likely to deflect the tools excessively, then to make large errors or to fracture the tool. This difficulty is owing to the poor stiffness of slender shaped end mills. Though, in most cases, additional finish cuts are followed after rough cuts, the accuracy of rough cuts is still important because it affects the final accuracy after finish cuts and productivity. The accuracy in slot cuts depends on the tool stiffness and the cutting conditions including depth of cut and feed. In order to meet the desired accuracy, diameter of end mill and cutting allowance have to be selected carefully. This study suggests several guidances for selecting the end mill diameter and the slot cut allowance to improve machining accuracy and productivity in slot end millings. Some experiments were done with the various cutting parameters of tool diameter, depth of cut and feed.