The Tool Life, Mechanics, and Economics in Conventional and Ultraprecision Machining

Abstract

Conventional machining that is discussed here covers the use of the Taylor tool life equations and Merchant’s theory for the machining of aluminum silicon alloy with diamond coated carbide as well as the newly developed diamond coated silicon nitride tools. Gilbert’s economics of machining is described, and its application is extended to grinding to show the advantages of a 4 axis CNC Machining Centre over its 5 axis equivalent. Scattergood et al’s theory of ultra-precision turning of brittle materials for determining the critical depth of cut is highlighted together with the first author’s work on silicon showing how yc, the critical depth of cut, can be experimentally obtained in a much easier and rapid way.