Influence of tool geometrical parameters on milling force and surface integrity in milling titanium alloy

With regard to the milling process of TC18, the effect of tool geometrical parameters on milling force and surface integrity were studied based on orthogonal experimental method. An empirical model of milling force was built; the absolute and relative sensitivities of milling force with respect to rake angle, clearance angle and helix angle were analyzed; the effects of tool geometrical parameters on surface roughness and surface residual stress were investigated by Taguchi method. The results show that the milling force is small in the case of big rake angle, small clearance angle and big helix angle; the milling force is more sensitive to helix angle than clearance angle, least sensitive to rake angle; compressive residual stress can be detected on all the machined surface; the helix angle has significant effects on surface roughness, the clearance angle has significant effects on surface residual stress.