High Speed Machining: Tool Performance and Surface Finish in Steel Turning

Abstract The main design principles and specifications of an experimental vertical boring mill built for high speed turning tests (up to over 100 m/s) are described, and some results of an investigation on turning steel with ceramic tool within a 15 to 50 m/s cutting speed range are discussed. Data on single and combined effects of machining parameters on surface finish, tool life, chip formation and cutting power were obtained in the tests, and their significance is assessed.