Chatter stability prediction in high-speed micromilling of Ti6Al4V via finite element based microend mill dynamics

High-speed micromilling (spindle speeds 100 000 r/min) can create complex three-dimensional microfeatures in difficult-to-machine materials. The micromachined surface must be of high quality, to meet functional requirements. However, chatter-induced dynamic instability deteriorates the surface quality and can be detrimental to tool life. Chatter-free machining can be accomplished by identifying stable process parameters via stability lobe diagram. To generate accurate stability lobe diagram, it is essential to determine the microend mill dynamics. Frequency response function is required to determine the tool-tip dynamics obtained by experimental impact analysis. Note that application of impact load at the microend mill tip (typically 100 – 500 μm) is not feasible as it would invariably end with tool failure. Consequently, alternative methods need to be developed to identify the microend mill dynamics. In the present work, the frequency response function for the microend mill is obtained by finite element method modal analysis. The frequency response function obtained from modal analysis has been verified from the experimentally obtained frequency response function. The experimental frequency response function was obtained by impacting the microend mill near the taper portion with an impact hammer and measuring the vibration of the tool-tip with a laser displacement sensor. The fundamental frequency obtained from finite element method modal analysis shows a difference of 6.6% from the experimental fundamental frequency. Microend mill dynamics obtained from the finite element method is used for chatter prediction in high-speed micromilling operations. The stability lobe diagram predicts the stability boundary accurately at 60 000 r · min^–1 and 80 000 r/min; however, a slight deviation is observed at 100 000 r/min.