Abstract
In this research, a method for the precision machining of soft rubber (50IRHD hardness), which is difficult by conventional grinding, has been proposed. In view of the unique behavior of various kinds of rubber when subjected to machining, i.e., strong effects of their dynamic properties, the authors have considered that rubber can be successfully machined with good precision by means of tools having a large positive rake angle and using high-speed intermittent cutting. More specifically, the authors assumed that high-precision machining of soft rubber could be realized using the high-speed milling method. As a first step of the study, the authors have carried out high speed milling of various types of soft rubber with end mill tools. As a result, the authors have found that the higher the cutting speed or the larger the rake angle of a tool, the higher the precision, the lower the surface roughness and the better the flatness of workpieces, thus proving that this high-speed milling can be used as a new method for the precision machining of rubber.
