This paper presents a methodology for determining the machine tool system requirements for high-speed machining (HSM)/high-throughput machining (HTM). Both technological and economic factors should be considered in the formulation of the model for determining machine tool system requirements. The HSM function model is given here in the form of ICAM-defined (IDEFo) charts with corresponding text. For machining most aluminum alloys, the maximum cutting speed is not limited by tool life, and the technology for high-speed machine tools (spindles, table drives, controls, chip management, and other features) exists today. Therefore, HSM of aluminum alloys can be implemented. Selection of a suitable HSM system involves detailed technological analysis and economic justification for a given part-family production configuration. The recent introduction of Si3N4 based tool materials has enabled significantly higher cutting speeds (up to 1524 mpm or 5000 sfpm) in the machining of gray cast iron. However, the machine tools using this type of tool material should be more rigid and capable of higher power, higher speed, and faster feed in order to increase productivity and reduce manufacturing costs. In the machining of the difficult-to-machine materials (e.g., superalloys), the cutting speed is still limited by tool wear. Nevertheless, a high-throughput machining (HTM) strategy is pertinent for this application.

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