Empirical models and optimal cutting parameters for cutting forces and surface roughness in hard milling of AISI H13 steel

In the present research, an attempt has been made to experimentally investigate the effects of cutting parameters on cutting forces and surface roughness in hard milling of AISI H13 steel with coated carbide tools. Based on Taguchi's method, four-factor (cutting speed, feed, radial depth of cut, and axial depth of cut) four-level orthogonal experiments were employed. Three cutting force components and roughness of machined surface were measured, and then range analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are performed. It is found that the axial depth of cut and the feed are the two dominant factors affecting the cutting forces. The optimal cutting parameters for minimal cutting forces and surface roughness in the range of this experiment under these experimental conditions are searched. Two empirical models for cutting forces and surface roughness are established, and ANOVA indicates that a linear model best fits the variation of cutting forces while a quadratic model best describes the variation of surface roughness. Surface roughness under some cutting parameters is less than 0.25 mu m, which shows that finish hard milling is an alternative to grinding process in die and mold industry.