Experimental investigation on part quality and metallic particle emission when milling 6061-T6 aluminium alloy

The quality of machining operations has a direct relationship with machined part quality and workshop air quality. The main characteristics that describe the machined part quality are burr size and surface finish, while fine particles are also considered as air quality characteristics in machining operations. In the present study, four main surface finish parameters (Ra, Rt, Rz and Rq), burrs size and mass concentration of metallic particles in milling of 6061-T6 aluminium alloy are investigated. The machining factors considered to build the experimental plan are cutting tool coating, insert nose radius, cutting speed and feed per tooth. The statistically significant responses to variation of process parameters and factors governing them are presented.