Experimental Study on Micro-Machinability of Hardened Tool Steel in Profile Micro-Milling

Abstract

Components miniaturization in industry leads to intensive research and development of efficient micro-technologies through research of different production processes, machines and tools. This paper presents experimental research on machinability of inclined surfaces on hardened steel workpieces with long-neck micro-end-ball mills. Workpiece is hardened AISI D2 tool steel (X155CrVMo-5). Micro-parts of this material is usually produced by non-conventional technologies such as electro-discharge machining (EDM) and laser beam machining (LBM), that allows machining of 2D or simple 3D structures. The effects of geometrical and cutting parameters on output machinability parameters in ball micro-milling were evaluated. Analysis of tool deflection, surface roughness and tool wedge wear was performed, in order to obtain the recommended cutting parameters for more precise, accurate and quality of micro-parts.