Optimization of fixture design with consideration of thermal deformation in face milling

Abstract Effective methods of fixture design are proposed to reduce machining error caused by cutting heat in face milling. Experiments show that thermal effect is critical to final error in the finish cut and that it dominates cutting accuracy. Therefore, a mathematical model is structured of the cutting heat source on behalf of the cutting tool, and the flatness error generation process in face finishing is demonstrated by computational simulation based on the moving cutting heat source model with FEM. Concerning surface flatness due to the moving cutting heat source for relatively thin plate-shaped workpieces, different methodologies have been proposed to reduce flatness error, namely, the application of additional supports and optimization of the fixturing support layout. Cutting experiments and computational analyses show the effectiveness of the additional supports and the optimization methodology applied on the fixture design in view of flatness error due to cutting heat. The proposed methodologies are applicable and beneficial to improve cutting accuracy not only of plate-shaped workpieces but also of other geometry workpieces.