Study of machining parameter optimization in high speed milling of Inconel 718 curved surface based on cutting force

Nickel-based alloy Inconel 718 is a kind of difficult-to-machine material, and the development of highspeed milling technology provides an effective machining method for the Inconel 718 parts. As the machining parameters play a crucial role in the high-speed milling of Inconel 718 parts, a lot of researches on the optimization of machining parameters have been conducted, and the optimum machining parameters under different test conditions have been obtained according to the experiments of flank milling or slot milling of Inconel 718. However, the machining parameter optimization in high-speed milling of Inconel 718 curved surface is seldom involved. The variation of the geometric features of the curved surface results in the sharp fluctuation of the cutting force as well as the vibration of the machine tool, which not only makes a severe impact on the surface machining quality and the tool life but also greatly affects the efficiency of the highspeed milling. In the machining process of the Inconel 718 parts with curved surface, the change of cutting force in highspeed milling should be smooth as far as possible. In this study, the experimental study is carried out on machining parameter optimization in high-speed milling of Inconel 718 curved surface based on the cutting force. The relationship between the cutting force and the spindle speed is analyzed, and in particular, the machining parameter optimization is investigated. The experiment results indicate that the cutting force relates to the geometric feature of curved surface, the cutting force is relatively smaller and the change of cutting force is smoother when the spindle speed changes from 4,000 to 4,500 rpm, the effect of the feed per tooth on the cutting force is little, and the cutting depth should be small to lessen the fluctuation of the cutting force. The research results can be considered to improve the machining quality of Inconel 718 parts with curved surface and will enrich the processing and manufacturing theory for the Inconel 718 parts.