Measuring and modelling of process forces during tapping using single tooth analogy process

Abstract

For machining internal threads, tapping is a commonly used process. However, due to the complex geometry of the tapping tool, each tooth has a unique geometry resulting in individual forces. Since the forces act synchronously during the process, they partly compensate each other. However, since resulting forces in tapping can cause undesired deflection of the tool which can lead to threads that are not true to gauge or tool breakage, the knowledge of the forces is crucial. To predict the occurring forces on each tooth, different modelling approaches can be used. An approach based on the chip load-cutting force relationship is the mechanistic modelling. Therefore, a suitable force model is of central importance. An empirical force model can be established using an analogy process. Within this work a single tooth analogy process is presented to measure the forces of each tooth separately. By means of a geometrical analysis of the real tool, the chip sizes, such as the cross-section area of the undeformed chip are calculated. Merging the measured process forces from the analogy process and the actual chip sizes, an empirical force model is set up using multivariate regression. The model is validated by implementing it in an existing framework and comparing the results to experimental data.