Precision control of end mills in the processing of watch parts

In the processing of watch parts, the precision control of end mills is of vital importance, mainly involving tool selection, clamping methods, optimization of cutting parameters and processing techniques, etc. The following is a specific analysis:

Tool selection:

Material selection: Carbide end mills, due to their high hardness and wear resistance, are suitable for high-precision processing of watch parts. For particularly precise processing requirements, solid carbide end mills can be selected to ensure the rigidity and cutting performance of the tools.

Tool type: Select the appropriate type of end mill based on the processing area and shape, such as flat end mills, ball-end mills, etc. For the tiny features or complex curved surfaces in watch parts, ball-end mills may be more applicable.

Tool accuracy: Select high-precision end mills to ensure that the manufacturing accuracy and geometric parameters of the tools meet the processing requirements.

Clamping method:

Clamping accuracy: Ensure the clamping accuracy of the end mill on the machine tool to avoid machining errors caused by clamping errors. High-precision tool holders and clamping systems are used to ensure the rigidity and stability of tool clamping.

Clamping frequency: Under the premise of ensuring the dimensional accuracy requirements of the parts, the clamping frequency should be reduced as much as possible to minimize the impact of clamping errors on the machining accuracy.

Cutting parameter optimization

Cutting speed: Select an appropriate cutting speed based on the material of the watch parts and the type of end mill. Excessively high cutting speeds may lead to intensified tool wear and affect machining accuracy. Too low a cutting speed may reduce the processing efficiency.

Feed rate: Reasonably control the feed rate to ensure the smoothness of the cutting process. Excessive feed rate may lead to an increase in cutting force, causing tool vibration and workpiece deformation. If the feed rate is too slow, it may reduce the processing efficiency.

Cutting depth: Select an appropriate cutting depth based on the processing requirements of the watch parts and the rigidity of the end mill. Excessive cutting depth may lead to excessive load on the tool, affecting the machining accuracy and tool life.

Processing technology:

Layer-by-layer processing: For watch parts with high precision requirements, a layer-by-layer processing method can be adopted, which makes the cutting amount during fine processing very small, less likely to cause deformation of the tool and workpiece, and thus easier to control dimensional accuracy.

Selection of cutting fluid: Choose the appropriate cutting fluid to reduce the cutting temperature, minimize tool wear and the thermal deformation of the workpiece. For the processing of watch parts, extreme pressure cutting fluid or kerosene, etc. are usually used.

Processing sequence: Follow the processing sequence principle of “rough first, then fine, main first, then secondary, surface first, then hole, reference first” to ensure the rationality and efficiency of the processing process.