Methods and Models for Cutting Data Optimization
Doktorsavhandling, 2013
Traditional optimization of cutting processes refers to minimizing cost or minimizing time (minimum
cost or maximum production rate). These criteria apply to the cutting speed via well-known equations
for economic tool life and tool life for maximum production rate. Quite often speed is focused first
when after some suitable feed value is chosen. This is a poor strategy for several reasons.
This thesis analyses and suggests suitable strategies, methods, algorithms and models for cutting
data optimization with general guidelines as well as specific recommendations for some exemplified
situations. Effective procedures designed to avoid sub-optimizations and alternative models for
minimizing the process costs, maximizing the production rate or minimizing the tool cost while
considering a desired cycle time (corresponding to actual demand of the produced part) are central
subjects for the discussions.
In a second phase, tool wear calibration allows for tool replacement coordination to minimize
related costs, since planned occasions eliminates slack due to operator unattendance, and coordinated
tool replacements minimizes total replacement time.
The procedures, methods and models for cutting data optimization discussed have also proven to
make significant cost reductions in several cases even when the process engineers involved in these
studies generally have long experience and said to have optimized their processes continuously for
years.
Although, the models presented in this thesis mainly refer to turning operations, these strategies are
applicable for turning, milling and holemaking processes and especially applicable for medium to
large lot sizes in multi tool operations, cell balancing, transfer line balancing, etc.
Tool Life
Cutting Forces
Tool Replacement Coordination
Process Cost
Tooling Cost
Cutting Data Optimization
Surface Finish
Cycle Time Balancing