Influence of End Mill Helix Angle on Surface Quality of Aluminium Thin-Walled Parts

Abstract

This paper deals with the influence of the end mill helix angle on the flatness and surface quality of aluminium (EN AW 6082) thin-walled parts. The three teeth solid end mills of 12 mm diameter with same and different helix angle of third tooth were designed. The tests were performed using the HSC 105 linear CNC machine and following cutting parameters: cutting speeds (800, 100 and 1200 m.min−1), feed per tooth (0.12 mm), cutting depth (for roughing 10 mm and for finishing 5 mm). Evaluation of surface quality of the processed thin-walled parts shows that the helix angle of the end mills has a significant influence on the surface quality of the thin-walled parts. The best results were obtained in the case of end mill with different 35° helix angle of third tooth and cutting speed 1000 m.min−1.