What is high speed machining

[johnm]

What is high speed machining, does it req'er a special machine?

[hardmill]

As simply as i can put it hsm is taking smaller, lighter cuts
at high feedrates. Special tools are required as well as the
machines ability to take in the code. Machine also needs
to be equipped with an acceleration & deceleration options
so it will slow down in tight corners. It doe'nt always require
all those variables but then you may lose on accuracy, tool life,
etc. An older machine could feasible be used and still gain
positive results. Hard machining requires similiar variables.

[JIMMY]

I just went to westec and learned of some software that can be added to any FUNUC control and it will slow down and speed up when needed to make the cut. I will look into it and find some more info on it.

[freddie]

Hi hardmill,
When you talk about H.S.M. does it necessarily mean
that the "G" code will be longer?
I am assuming so,seeing as you are taking smaller bites
of mtl.
And is this the same thing that is supported in mastercam?

Thanx

[hardmill]

Hey freddie
Yes the files will be longer and yes its the toolpaths supported
by Mastercam. With Mastercams trociodal toolpaths you sometimes need to tweak it a bit to get the result you want but
it works fine. If you need any help drop me a line.

[hardmill]

With these toolpaths you generally what to take 5-7%
stepovers using open pocket routines. Tialn coated tools
are best.

[dkowalcz]

Originally posted by johnm What is high speed machining, does it req'er a special machine?

Yeah, pretty much. I've heard that you can retrofit high speed spindles on machines, but it's much better if it's designed in.

Tool life generally decreases with increased speed. But back in the day, some wiseapple discovered that if you go very fast the tool life is also acceptable (with lighter cuts).

One big advantage is that cutting forces are pretty low with HSM, so fairly frail parts can be made with the process.

[Mortek]

Is it possible to do high speed milling with say 6000 rpm, a 1/2" carbide taln coated ball mill in 15-5 stainless Rc 40? What feed rates (IPM) would be used?

Ken

[hardmill]

Actually 6000k is 785 sfm, which is about perfect.
I'd go for about a .004 ipt. (48. ipm)
That is if your controller can handle it.
Let me know what happens.

[DLMACHINE]

My Machine only has 3500 rpm, I only have a 2 horsepower spindle so I was forced into the lighter cuts at higher rates.

[hardmill]

Thats what hsm is.
Horsepower is'nt your problem.
HS machining is light cuts w/ high feed rates
You control toollife and surface finish w/ sfm
and ipt.

[Scrit]

This sounds a bit like the sort of technique we use for machining certain plastics, notably HDPE and certain nylons. REDUCED spindle speed (10,000 to 12,000 rpm or even slower), three or even four flute slow spiral cutters taking shallower cuts at feed speeds of between 10 and 20 metres/min. This gives a nice smooth finish and literally throws out "bullets" from the cutter