Abstract
Fine or micro-cutting of aluminum alloys in which the depth of cut is decreased permits a characteristic cutting mechanism different from conventional cutting. The size effect appeared in a specific cutting force when a depth of cut reaches a some value. The depth of cut, i.e. the critical depth of cut is closely related with the nose radius of cutting edge. The cutting in which the depth of cut is less than 5μm has a similar cutting mechanism as abrasive grain cutting on the basis of the forces ratio of cutting resistance Fv/FH. The shear angle rapidly decreases as the depth of cut decreases probably because of reduce in the effective angle. The nose radius of cutting edge has an important effect on the sliding length of cutting edge until chip begins to form.