Statistical analysis and modelization of tool life and vibration in dry face milling of AISI 52100 STEEL in annealed and hardened conditions

The objective of the present work is to investigate the effect of cutting parameters (Vc, fz and ap) on tool life and the level of vibrations velocity in the machined part during face milling operation of hardened AISI 52100 steel. Dry-face milling has been achieved in the annealed (28 HRc) and quenched (55 HRc) conditions using multi-layer coating micro-grain carbide inserts. Statistical analysis based on the Response surface methodology (RSM) and ANOVA analysis have been conducted through a plan of experiments methodology using a reduced Taguchi table (L9) in order to obtain engineering models for tool life and vibration velocity in the workpiece for both heat treatment conditions. The results show that the cutting speed has a dominant influence on tool life for both soft and hard part. Cutting speed and feed per tooth is the most significant parameters for vibration levels. Comparing the experimental values with those predicted by the developed engineering models of tool life and levels of vibrations velocity, a good correlation has been obtained (between 97% and 99%) in annealed and hard conditions.