Modelling of cutting induced workpiece temperatures for dry milling

A thermal model has been developed that predicts machining induced workpiece temperatures for peripheral milling. The model was developed to determine the magnitude and distribution of workpiece temperatures for dry milling of aerospace aluminium alloys. The analytical model incorporates elements of the physical nature of the metal cutting process with analytical approaches developed for grinding to produce a peripheral milling thermal model that is directly applicable to industry. Test and model results show that cutting induced workpiece heating reduces significantly as cutting speed and feedrates are increased. The research suggests that dry machining of aluminium should be carried out at high cutting speeds and feeds to minimise temperature rise in the workpiece.