Finite Element Deformation Analysis of Long Thin Cantilever Shape Parts in High Speed Ball End Milling of Titanium Alloy Ti-6Al-4V with PCD Tools at Various Tool Inclination Angles

Abstract

In this study the influence of tool inclination angle on deformation of thin wall cantilever shape part has been analyzed using finite element numerical simulations. Polycrystalline diamond, PCD tool has been chosen as a tool material in this study because PCD tool has given better results in terms of surface roughness, tool life and productivity in end milling of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V. Firstly, in this study, the effect of tool inclination angle on tool contact geometry, cutting speed and cutting forces has been discussed. Then, finite element numerical simulations (FEM) have been carried out in AdvantEdge® for the prediction of cutting forces with PCD tool at four different tilt angles viz. 70°, 75°, 80° and 85° and the results have been compared to the coated carbide tool. Then the maximum magnitude of the forces which occurred in tangential direction (FY) were input in the Abaqus® software as a load acting on the thin long cantilever part and deformation results were analyzed. Results show that PCD tool due to its high hardness, strength and better wear resistance produce lower cutting forces at all angles studied and at an angle near the perpendicular to the surface being machined both tools have lower values of the deformation. The FEM simulation results match well with the theoretical study as theoretical analysis also shows that at angles nearer to perpendicular to the surface being machined, the tool will have lower effective cutting speed & forces and hence proved as the key to achieving better accuracies for long thin wall parts.