Optimization of end mill tool geometry parameters for Al7075-T6 machining operations based on vibration amplitude by response surface methodology

Abstract This paper aims at developing a statistical model to envisage vibration amplitude in terms of geometrical parameters such as radial rake angle, nose radius of cutting tool and machining parameters such as cutting speed, cutting feed and axial depth of cut. Experiments were conducted through response surface methodology experimental design. The material chosen is Aluminum (Al 7075-T6) and the tool used was high speed steel end mill cutter with different tool geometry. Two channels piezoelectric accelerometers were used to measure the vibration amplitude. The second order mathematical model in terms of machining parameters was built up to predict the vibration amplitude and ANOVA was used to verify the competency of the model. Further investigation on the direct and interactive effect of the process parameter with vibration amplitude was carried out for the selection of process parameter so that the vibration amplitude was maintained at the minimum which ensures the stability of end milling process. The optimum values obtained from end milling process are Radial rake angle-12°, Nose radius-0.8 mm, Cutting speed-115 m/min, Cutting feed rate-0.04 mm/tooth, axial depth of cut-2.5 mm. The vibration amplitude exhibited negative relationship with radial rake angle and nose radius. The dominant factors on the vibration amplitude are feed rate and depth of cut. Thus it is envisaged that the predictive models in this study could produce values of the vibration amplitude close to the experimental readings with a 95% confidence interval.