Influence of Cutting Conditions on Dimensional Integrity

This study investigates the effect of machining parameters correlating to the quality and precision of machined parts. The main focus is given to coordinate measuring machine (CMM) features, dimensional accuracy and surface roughness. Samples of three hardness materials were milled according to a standard design while varying machining parameters. The varied parameters were the type of milling machine used, feed rate and spindle speed. A CMM of 0.0001mm precision was used to measure the dimensions of the machined parts and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used as the analysis to study the impact of each machining parameter on the quality and accuracy of the machined specimen. The study revealed that spindle speed of the milling machine, hardness of the material and the machine automation type is the factor that has a significant effect on the surface roughness of the machined features and hardness, spindle speed and a combination of hardness plus spindle speed had a significant effect on the dimensional accuracy of the machined features. The significant difference in data collection using the three CMM touch probes available was also studied, which revealed that the effect of changing probe diameter does not have any significant effect on a standard design feature when collecting data.