Simulation-based solid carbide end mill design and geometry optimization

Abstract

Designing a high-performance solid carbide end mill is difficult due to the complex relationship between end mill geometry and numerous or conflicting design goals. Earlier approaches of computer-aided solid end mill design are limited to only a few design aspects. This article presents a three-dimensional finite element method of milling process for solid carbide end mill design and optimization. The software was secondarily developed based on UG platform, integrating the parametric design with the development of the two-dimension drawing of solid carbide end mill. The three-dimension finite element simulation for milling Ti-6Al-4V alloy was performed and the geometrical parameters were optimized based on the objective of low cutting force and cutting temperature. As a result, a simulation-based design and optimization of geometrical parameters of tool structure and cutting edge is possible. The optimized results, for the geometrical parameters of tool structure and cutting edge when milling titanium alloy using a 20-mm diameter solid carbide end mill, is a 12-mm diameter of inner circle, four flutes, a 45 ° helix angle, and a 9 ° rake angle of the side cutting edge.