Abstract
This paper presents an experimental investigation of high speed machining of dies and molds. Several critical issues involved with the high speed machining of QRO90 tool steel of hardness up to HRc62, have been studied and explained from a detail analysis of experimental observations. The experiments were performed using ball end mills. The effect of different process parameters on tool life and surface finish produced was also investigated. The cutting parameters involved were; cutting speeds in the range of 100 to 40 / m/min, axial depth of cut from 0.1 to 0.5mm, pick feed of 0.1 to 0.5mm. Run out and acceleration signals were observed during the experiment to investigate cutting slates. Compressed air and flood coolant were used and the effect of coolant on tool life was also determined.
