INCREASING TOOL LIFE THROUGH ADJUSTMENT OF CUTTING EDGE AND TOOLPATH DURING MILLING OF INCONEL 718

This paper focuses on analysis of tool life during milling of nickel alloy Inconel 718. Several modifications of one type of carbide tool with different cutting edge finish adjustments (lapping, drag finishing) were proposed for milling of Inconel 718. These finish adjustments significantly influence cutting edge properties (hardness, radius value, etc.). The toolpath geometry setup has a great influence on chip formation and tool load characteristics during milling strategies. The milling tests were performed by using the cutting tools with several adjustments of cutting edge in combination with the toolpath geometry setup. The paper therefore presents the analysis that tool life can be significantly increased through proper finish adjustment of cutting edge microgeometry and proper toolpath setup.