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A reader recently used the “Ask an Expert” feature of our High Speed Machining Zone to ask the following question.

Question

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We are machining graphite to ±0.0001-inch tolerance on depth, with less than 100RA finish. We are using a machine with 36,000 rpm spindle and 1.7G acc/dec rating. We are machining a 2-inch diameter pocket, contoured in the bottom, with a ballnose tool programmed at 35,000 rpm and 340 ipm. It is a true spiral toolpath, machining in a circular pattern from center to outer diameter. We are not achieving programmed feed rate until we are at about 1.75 inch diameter. The feed rate is varying from 140 ipm in the center progressively faster until it reaches programmed feed at 1.75 inch out. We have reduced the number of points in the program to reduce the lines of code from 36,000 to 4,800 lines, with no change in feed rate that the machine achieves. This done was to prove whether the machine processor not keeping up was the problem. But we noticed no change in feed rate when we reduced the lines of code. Can you steer us in the right direction?

Response from Tom Delio, co-founder of BlueSwarf

Most important in any high speed machining operation is your set up. I am assuming that you are using well-balanced cutters and very concentric cutters. Without a very controlled setup, any other steps you take can easily be compromised.

From there, the main issue appears to be the acc/dec capability of the machine. You are correct that the issue is not with the number of points in the program. It appears your processor is plenty fast enough to handle all the points in the program. The limitation comes from the ability of the axes to accelerate and decelerate within the feature size. At 1.75 inch diameter, each axis has to be traveling fast enough to make a circle/pocket in 1 sec -- which means each axis is traversing back and forth in 1 second, or moving ahead and then back by an amount equal to 1.75 inch minus the cutter diameter in that time.

The possible solutions:

Assuming you are looking for productivity, then the obvious first solution is to attempt to tune the axes better. However, this is not recommended, as the axes are already well-tuned, and any improvement you might achieve will require a trade off or sacrifice (perhaps in overshoot or in surface finish and motion stability).

The next likely solution is to alter your tool path. The spiral tool path might be the most efficient, as it balances out and times the acc/decs of the constitutive axes to minimize dead spots and slow feeds. The best alternative I might suggest is to try to get the longest runs possible to best achieve maximum feed rate for the longest possible time. Perhaps try a zig-zag motion aligned with one of the axes to minimize acc/dec issues, then do a peripheral finishing pass.

Another option depends on whether there is any layered machining. Are you machining to finish in one pass or are there multiple passes being performed? If multiple passes, you could use deeper depths of cut at reduced spindle speed and feed rate. If this is possible, this should increase your average metal removal rate, given that at lower feed rates the acc/dec capability will drive the axes to maximum programmed feed for a longer period.

It is worth noting that at these elevated speeds, vibration is always a concern. Being able to find speeds that minimize vibration is advisable. Once found, then the control of the tool setup is critical to make sure you can repeat the performance.

No matter what your acc/dec capability, there will be a feature size limitation. No machine has the ability to instantaneously reach maximum feed rate. In most of today's controllers, though, computing power has improved to the point that program size is only rarely a limitation.