Effects of cutting parameters on surface roughness during high-speed turning of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy

Surface roughness constitutes one of the most critical constraints for the selection of machine tools and cutting parameters in metal cutting operations. In this study, the steepest descent method was used to study the effects of cutting parameters (cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut) on surface roughness of machined Ti-6Al-4V alloy workpiece at high-speed conditions. Machining trials were conducted at different cutting conditions using uncoated carbide inserts with ISO designation CNMG 120412 under conventional coolant supply, while a stylus type instrument was used to measure the centre-line average surface roughness (Ra). The results revealed that, surface roughness was more sensitive to variation in feed rate followed by cutting speed and depth of cut. The study is of importance to machinist in the selection of appropriate combinations of machining parameters for high-speed turning of Ti-6Al-4V alloy workpiece © 2009, INSInet Publication.