The influence of cutting tool rake angle on cutting forces when machining aluminium alloys

Abstract

In this study, experimental investigation of the effect of cutting tool rake angle during machining of AA 2011 and AA 7075 aluminium alloys was earned out. For this purpose, a previously designed and manufactured dynamometer incorporating load cells was used to measure the cutting forces during turning. This system enabled the tool holder to rotate so that the cutting tool's rake angle could be adjusted. The machining tests were conducted at six different rake angles, five different cutting speeds while feed rate and depth of cut were kept constant. During the tests, primary cutting force (Fc) and feed force (Fa) components were measured and recorded on a personal computer (PC). Theoretical cutting force values were also determined using Kienzle approach. The results showed that cutting forces decreased with increasing rake angle and increasing cutting speed for the both alloys.