Numerical simulation of micro-element cutting and milling force prediction in micro ball-end milling

In order to better analyze and control the micro milling process of micro ball-end milling cutter, a method combining finite element method (FEM) and regression analysis is proposed to simulate and analyze the micro cutting process of cutting edge micro-element at different axial height positions to achieve micro milling force prediction. Combining cutting edge curve equations and actual measurements establish an accurate micro ball-end milling cutter model, and discrete along the axial direction of the cutter to obtain multiple sets of cutting edge micro-element of equal thickness. In this study, a workpiece micro-element model corresponding to the axial height position of the cutting edge micro-element is established based on the actual cycloidal motion trajectory during the micro milling of the cutting edge. Finite element simulation of single-edge bevel cutting of cutting micro-elements is implemented. Based on the micro cutting force data obtained from the micro cutting simulation, regression analysis is used to obtain the cutting edge micro-element unit cutting force related to axial height and cutter rotation angle for a certain amount of feed per tooth, and then the integral summation is used to achieve the micro milling force prediction. A comparative analysis of the full slot micro milling experiments shows that the predicted micro milling forces are in good agreement with the measured values, which directly verifies the correctness and reliability of the cutting edge micro-element cutting numerical simulation and micro milling force prediction method in the paper.