Predicting tool life for side milling in C45 E using Colding and Taylor tool life models

This paper investigates the possibility of using empirical tool life models to predict tool life in a side milling application in a medium carbon steel, C 45E. To do this, an extensive dataset containing 46 data points with different machining parameters are produced. Four different empirical models: Taylor’s equation, Colding’s equation and Extended Taylor both using depth of cut and feed as well as an Extended Taylor using equivalent chip thickness has been considered. It is found that Colding’s equation is best suited to predict the tool life for this application. Furthermore, this paper suggests a novel method to fit the experimental data to the empirical models. Based on the results from previously published papers it is shown that the proposed method performs equally or better to determine the model constants. •Implementation of colding tool life modeling for milling in C45 E.•Evaluation of tool life modeling methods for a large milling data set.•Novel approach to determine modeling constants.