Strategies for Developing Milling Tools from the Viewpoint of Sustainable Manufacturing

• Published in: International journal of automation technology Vol. 10; no. 5; pp. 727 - 736
• Main Authors: Ullah, A. M. M. Sharif, Akamatsu, Takeshi, Furuno, Masahiro, Chowdhury, M. A. K., Kubo, Akihiko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tokyo Fuji Technology Press Co. Ltd 05.09.2016
• Subjects: Cutting force; Cutting tool materials; Cutting tools; Machine tools; Manufacturing; Milling (machining); Monte Carlo simulation; Optimization; Optimization techniques; Process planning; Sustainable development
• ISSN: 1881-7629; 1883-8022
• DOI: 10.20965/ijat.2016.p0727

This study addresses the strategies for developing the cutting tools used in the material removal process called milling from the viewpoint of sustainable manufacturing. Sustainable manufacturing can be achieved by improving the material, energy, and component efficiencies, simultaneously. Cutting tools are just as important as machine tools and process planning to the achievement of the abovementioned efficiencies. Accordingly, this study describes two strategies based on high cutting velocity and feed per revolution, respectively. Exercising the strategy of high cutting velocity requires a Monte Carlo simulation-driven optimization technique. It helps make a balance between the tool material driven environmental burden and the user-defined maximum allowable cutting velocity. Exercising the strategy of high feed per revolution requires an innovative problem-solving procedure (e.g., TRIZ). It helps create novel solutions (e.g., an oval-shaped milling tool) that eliminate the causes of unstable cutting forces or vibrations when the tool passes over sharp corners. Thus, this study clearly shows that developing a milling tool from the viewpoint of sustainable manufacturing requires a multi-faceted approach. Similar strategies can be used to solve the problems involved in developing other cutting tools.