Experimental verification of the effect of machining atmosphere on tool life in low-frequency vibration cutting

Abstract

Low-frequency vibration cutting is a machining method that breaks up chips. The intermittency of the cutting process is considered to affect the performance of cooling and lubrication. The authors have reported that maintaining the intermittency of the process improves tool wear. However, the effect of the machining atmosphere on wear has not been analysed in terms of cooling, lubrication and chip break-up. In this study, the effects of various machining atmospheres on tool life were experimentally evaluated, considering that the suppression of cutting temperature and efficient chip break-up are effective in reducing tool wear by making effective use of the intermittency of the low-frequency vibration cutting process.