The application of end mills in the processing of parts for printing equipment

End mills are widely used in the processing of parts for printing equipment. The following is an analysis from four aspects: tool selection, cutting parameters, processing strategies, and special process treatments:

Tool selection

Material selection: Common materials for printing equipment parts include aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc. Aluminum alloy material can choose high-speed steel end mills, whose heat resistance meets the cutting requirements. For materials with high hardness such as stainless steel, it is recommended to use carbide end mills to enhance wear resistance and cutting efficiency.

Tool type selection: According to the processing characteristics, flat-bottom end mills are recommended for planar processing, which can efficiently complete planar milling. Surface processing is applicable to ball-end end mills, which can achieve precise processing of three-dimensional surfaces. For keyway or groove processing in printing equipment, keyway end mills should be selected to ensure the dimensional accuracy of the groove shape.

Cutting parameter optimization

Spindle speed setting: For aluminum alloy processing, the speed can be set at 150-200m /min, while for stainless steel processing, it needs to be reduced to 50-100m /min. By adjusting the speed, the tool life and processing efficiency can be balanced.

Feed rate control: For aluminum alloy processing, the feed rate is recommended to be 0.1-0.2mm per tooth, while for stainless steel processing, it should be controlled at 0.05-0.1mm per tooth. Parameter adjustment should be combined with the matching of tool diameter and workpiece hardness.

Cutting depth management: In the rough machining stage, the single cutting depth is recommended not to exceed 50% of the tool diameter. In the finish machining stage, it should be controlled within the margin range of 0.05-0.1mm. Dimensional accuracy is guaranteed through a layer-by-layer processing strategy.

Processing strategy and process optimization

Vibration suppression technology: If tool vibration occurs during the processing, the cutting speed and feed rate can be appropriately reduced (the reduction is recommended to be within 40%). If the vibration persists, the cutting depth needs to be reduced, and if necessary, a tool overhang support device should be added.

Cooling and lubrication scheme: Compressed air is recommended for aluminum alloy processing, while extreme pressure cutting fluid should be used for stainless steel processing to lower the cutting temperature, reduce tool wear, and improve chip discharge.

Improvement of the clamping system: For large-diameter end mills, tool holders with flattened notches and side locking methods can be adopted. Regularly check the wear of the tool holders to ensure the rigidity of the clamping system.

Key points of special process treatment

Thin-walled part processing: By adopting a parameter combination of small cutting depth, high rotational speed and low feed rate, and in combination with vacuum adsorption clamping method, the cutting force is reduced to avoid workpiece deformation.

Surface finishing: Use a ball-end end mill in combination with contour line processing paths. Achieve a mirror-like effect by controlling the residual height (recommended ≤0.01mm). After processing, polishing treatment is required to eliminate tool marks.

Large allowance removal: Select end mills with larger diameters and shorter lengths. During heavy cutting, avoid tool vibration or tool skew, and at least limit the vibration and skew to the minimum extent.