Effect of machining parameters on surface roughness in end milling of AISI 304 steel using uncoated solid carbide tools

Abstract

This work aims at studying the effect of helix angle and cutting conditions of the machining performance, particularly on the surface roughness (R a ) during the end milling of AISI 304 steel with uncoated solid carbide tools. Experiments were conducted based on four-factors and five level central composite rotatable design matrix. A mathematical model has been exclusively developed to predict the surface roughness in terms of cutting parameters such as helix angle of the cutting tool, spindle speed, feed rate and depth of cut using response surface methodology. The optimum R a value 1.21 μτη was obtained for AISI 304 steels. The direct and interaction effect of the machining parameters with R a were analysed using contour graphs.