Special Issue on “Machining Dynamics and Parameters Process Optimization”

In 1907, F.W Taylor—the father of production engineering—exposed the fundamentals of modern machining and defined chatter as the most obscure and delicate of all problems facing the machinist [...

Improving Stability Prediction in Peripheral Milling of Al7075T6

Chatter is an old enemy to machinists but, even today, is far from being defeated. Current requirements around aerospace components call for stronger and thinner workpieces which are more prone to vibrations. This study presents the stability analysis for a single degree of freedom down-milling operation in a thin-walled workpiece. The stability charts were computed by means of the enhanced multistage homotopy perturbation (EMHP) method, which includes the helix angle but also, most importantly, the runout and cutting speed effects. Our experimental validation shows the importance of this kind of analysis through a comparison with a common analysis without them, especially when machining aluminum alloys. The proposed analysis demands more computation time, since it includes the calculation of cutting forces for each combination of axial depth of cut and spindle speed. This EMHP algorithm is compared with the semi-discretization, Chebyshev collocation, and full-discretization methods in terms of convergence and computation efficiency, and ultimately proves to be the most efficient method among the ones studied.The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support received from HAZITEK program, from the Department of Economic Development and Infrastructures of the Basque Government and from FEDER funds. Additional support was provided by the Tecnologico de Monterrey, through the Research Group in Nanomaterials and Devices Design

Drilling Process in γ-TiAl Intermetallic Alloys

Gamma titanium aluminides (gamma-TiAl) present an excellent behavior under high temperature conditions, being a feasible alternative to nickel-based superalloy components in the aeroengine sector. However, considered as a difficult to cut material, process cutting parameters require special study to guarantee component quality. In this work, a developed drilling mechanistic model is a useful tool in order to predict drilling force (Fz) and torque (Tc) for optimal drilling conditions. The model is a helping tool to select operational parameters for the material to cut by providing the programmer predicted drilling forces (Fz) and torque (Tc) values. This will allow the avoidance of operational parameters that will cause excessively high force and torque values that could damage quality. The model is validated for three types of Gamma-TiAl alloys. Integral hard metal end-drilling tools and different cutting parameters (feeds and cutting speeds) are tested for three different sized holes for each alloy.RTC-2014-1861-4, INNPACTO DESAFIO II. Spanish Governmen

Sensitivity Analysis of Tool Wear in Drilling of Titanium Aluminides

In the aerospace industry, a large number of holes need to be drilled to mechanically connect the components of aircraft engines. The working conditions for such components demand a good response of their mechanical properties at high temperatures. The new gamma TiAl are in the transition between the 2nd and 3rd generation, and several applications are proposed for that sector. Thus, NASA is proposing the use of the alloys in the Revolutionary Turbine Accelerator/Turbine-Based Combined Cycle (RTA/TBCC) Program for the next-generation launch vehicle, with gamma TiAl as a potential compressor and structural material. However, the information and datasets available regarding cutting performance in titanium aluminides are relatively scarce. So, a considerable part of the current research efforts in this field is dedicated to process optimization of cutting parameters and tool geometries. The present work is framed in the study of wear when machining holes in these difficult-to-cut alloys. In particular, the work presents the results from drilling tests on three types of gamma TiAl alloys, extruded MoCuSi, ingot MoCuSi, and TNB type, to define an optimal set of cutting parameters. Maintaining uniform, gradual wear is key to avoiding tool breakage and enabling good hole dimensional accuracy. So, this paper proposes a model based on ANOVA analysis to identify the relationships between cutting conditions and resulting wear and estimate tool life. The best cutting parameters were found at v(c) = 10-15 m/min and f(n) = 0.025 mm/rev.Thanks are addressed to the UFI in Mechanical Engineering of the UPV/EHU for its support to this project, and to Spanish project DPI2016-74845-R, ESTRATEGIAS AVANZADAS DE DEFINICION DE FRESADO EN PIEZAS ROTATIVAS INTEGRALES, CON ASEGURAMIENTO DE REQUISITO DE FIABILIDAD Y PRODUCTIVIDAD and project RTC-2014-1861-4, INNPACTO DESAFIO II

Investigating the effect of novel self-lubricant TiSiVN films on topography, diffusion and oxidation phenomenon at the chip-tool interface during dry machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Machining of titanium alloys such as Ti-6Al-4 V can be very intimidating due to their low thermal conductivity leading to elevated cutting temperatures at the chip-tool interface (ICT). In this regard, the self-lubrication effect of coatings like TiSiVN represented by topography, oxidation, and diffusion at the chip-tool interface are crucial. Thus, the present work investigates the latter three mechanisms during dry machining of Ti-6Al-4 V titanium alloy with uncoated and TiSiVN coated Al2O3/SiC whiskers-reinforced ceramic cutting tools. The results reveal that the adhesion height (AH) and O% increases with cutting temperature, showing the dominant influence of cutting temperature on material adhesion and oxidation levels at the ICT. AH increases with increased cutting speed for both coated tools, indicating that the crater depth increment was not so severe for the coated tools. However, a drastic upward surge of crater depth for uncoated and TiSiN coated tools at 125 m/min cutting speed makes the crater edge near the ICT act as a chip breaker and facilitates the chip's bending away from the tool face causing reduction in chip bend angles (BA). Additionally, the TiSiVN coating accounts to a reduction of approximately 23% in AH and 18% in Ti%, and 37% lower oxygen levels at the highest cutting speed when compared to the uncoated tool primarily due to lower cutting temperatures and self-lubricating behavior.The work is supported by Maria Zambrano grants and funded by: MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and “FSE invierte en tu futuro”, and Basque Government university group IT1573-22, High performance machining, and MiCINN PDC2021–121792-I00 “New tooling production oriented to manufacture high value-added components of turbomachinery” (Haute Couture Taylor Made). The authors are also grateful to Grant PID2019-109340RB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/5 The authors thank SGIker (UPV/EHU/ERDF, EU) for technical and human support provided. Also, Filipe Fernandes acknowledges the MCTool21 - ref. "POCI-01–0247- FEDER-045940" and CEMMPRE – ref. “UIDB/00285/2020″ projects, sponsored by FEDER funds through the COMPETE program – Operational Program on Competitiveness Factors – and by national funds through FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology

Hole Making by Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) of -TiAl Intermetallic Alloys

Due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion and wear resistance, gamma-TiAl alloys are selected for aerospace and automotive applications. Since these materials are difficult to cut and machine by conventional methods, this study performed drilling tests using Electro Discharge Machining (EDM) to compare the machinability between two different types of gamma-TiAl: extruded MoCusi and ingot MoCuSi. Different electrode materials and machining parameters were tested and wear, surface hardness, roughness and integrity were analyzed. The results indicate that extruded MoCuSi is preferable over MoCuSi ingots.Thanks are given to the UFI in Mechanical Engineering of the UPV/EHU for its support to this project, and to Spanish project DPI2016-74845-R, ESTRATEGIAS AVANZADAS DE DEFINICION DE FRESADO EN PIEZAS ROTATIVAS INTEGRALES, CON ASEGURAMIENTO DE REQUISITO DE FIABILIDAD Y PRODUCTIVIDAD and project RTC-2014-1861-4, INNPACTO DESAFIO II

A model-based sustainable productivity concept for the best decision-making in rough milling operations

[EN]There is a need in manufacturing as in machining of being more productive. However, at the same time, workshops are also urged for lesser energy waste in cutting operations. Specially, rough milling of impellers and bladed integrated disks of aircraft engines need an efficient use of energy due to the long cycle times. Indeed, to avoid dramatic tool failures and idle times, cutting conditions and operations tend to be very conservative. This is a multivariable problem, where process engineers need to handle several aspects such as milling operation type, toolpath strategies, cutting conditions, or clamping systems. There is no criterion embracing productivity and power consumption. In this sense, this work proposes a methodology that meets productivity and sustainability by using a specific cutting energy or sustainable productivity gain (SPG) factor. Three rough milling operations-slot, plunge nad trochoidal milling-were modelled and verified. A bottom-up approach based on data from developed mechanistic force models evaluated and compared different alternatives for making a slot, which is a common operation in that king of workpieces. Experimental data confirmed that serrated end milling with the highest SPG value of 1 is the best milling operation in terms of power consumption and mass removal rate (MRR). In the case of plunge milling technique achieve an SPG < 0.51 while trochoidal milling produces a very low SPG value.The authors acknowledge the support from the Spanish Government (JANO, CIEN Project, 2019.0760) and Basque Government (ELKARTEK19/46, KK-2019/00004). This research was funded by Tecnologico de Monterrey through the Research Group of Nanotechnology for Devices Design, and by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia de Mexico (Conacyt), Project Number 296176, and National Lab in Additive Manufacturing, 3D Digitizing and Computed Tomography (MADiT) LN299129. The authors also acknowledge the support from Garikoitz Goikoetxea and fruitful discussions with Mr. Jon Mendez (Guhring (c)) and Endika Monge (Hoffmann Group (c))

A reliable turning process by the early use of a deep simulation model at several manufacturing stages

The future of machine tools will be dominated by highly flexible and interconnected systems, in order to achieve the required productivity, accuracy, and reliability. Nowadays, distortion and vibration problems are easily solved in labs for the most common machining operations by using models based on the equations describing the physical laws of the machining processes; however, additional efforts are needed to overcome the gap between scientific research and real manufacturing problems. In fact, there is an increasing interest in developing simulation packages based on "deep-knowledge and models" that aid machine designers, production engineers, or machinists to get the most out of the machine-tools. This article proposes a methodology to reduce problems in machining by means of a simulation utility, which uses the main variables of the system and process as input data, and generates results that help in the proper decision-making and machining plan. Direct benefits can be found in (a) the fixture/ clamping optimal design; (b) the machine tool configuration; (c) the definition of chatter-free optimum cutting conditions and (d) the right programming of cutting toolpaths at the Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) stage. The information and knowledge-based approach showed successful results in several local manufacturing companies and are explained in the paper.The work presented in this paper was supported in some sections within the project entitled MuProD-Innovative Proactive Quality Control System for In-Process Multi-Stage Defect Reduction- of the Seventh Framework Program of the European Union [FoF.NMP.2011-5] and UPV/EHU under program UFI 11/29. Thanks are given to Tecnalia, for collaboration in testing, and especially to Ainhoa Gorrotxategi and Ander Jimenez for the sound work in the project. Thanks to Gamesa Eolica and Guruzpe, for the time, technical advices, and efforts during the analysis in examples

Prediction Methods and Experimental Techniques for Chatter Avoidance in Turning Systems: A Review

The general trend towards lightweight components and stronger but difficult to machine materials leads to a higher probability of vibrations in machining systems. Amongst them, chatter vibrations are an old enemy for machinists with the most dramatic cases resulting in machine-tool failure, accelerated tool wear and tool breakage or part rejection due to unacceptable surface finish. To avoid vibrations, process designers tend to command conservative parameters limiting productivity. Among the different machining processes, turning is responsible of a great amount of the chip volume removed worldwide. This paper reports some of the main efforts from the scientific literature to predict stability and to avoid chatter with special emphasis on turning systems. There are different techniques and approaches to reduce and to avoid chatter effects. The objective of the paper is to summarize the current state of research in this hot topic, particularly (1) the mechanistic, analytical, and numerical methods for stability prediction in turning; (2) the available techniques for chatter detection and control; (3) the main active and passive techniques.Thanks are addressed to Basque country university excellence group IT1337-19. The authors wish to acknowledge also the financial support received from HAZITEK program, from the Department of Economic Development and Infrastructures of the Basque Government and from FEDER funds. This research was funded by Tecnologico de Monterrey through the Research Group of Nanotechnology for Devices Design, and by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACYT), Project Numbers 242269, 255837, 296176, and the National Lab in Additive Manufacturing, 3D Digitizing and Computed Tomography (MADiT) LN299129

Semi-Active Magnetorheological Damper Device for Chatter Mitigation during Milling of Thin-Floor Components

The productivity during the machining of thin-floor components is limited due to unstable vibrations, which lead to poor surface quality and part rejection at the last stage of the manufacturing process. In this article, a semi-active magnetorheological damper device is designed in order to suppress chatter conditions during the milling operations of thin-floor components. To validate the performance of the magnetorheological (MR) damper device, a 1 degree of freedom experimental setup was designed to mimic the machining of thin-floor components and then, the stability boundaries were computed using the Enhance Multistage Homotopy Perturbation Method (EMHPM) together with a novel cutting force model in which the bull-nose end mill is discretized in disks. It was found that the predicted EMHPM stability lobes of the cantilever beam closely follow experimental data. The end of the paper shows that the usage of the MR damper device modifies the stability boundaries with a productivity increase by a factor of at least 3.This research was funded by Tecnológico de Monterrey through the Research Group of Nanotechnology for Devices Design, and by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de México (Conacyt), Project Numbers 242269, 255837, 296176, and National Lab in Additive Manufacturing, 3D Digitizing and Computed Tomography (MADiT) LN299129