The clamping selection method to reduce the vibration of large-size workpieces during the face milling process

Abstract

The article introduces a method for selecting the best clamping conditions to obtain vibration reduction during the milling of large-size workpieces. It is based on experimental modal analysis performed for a set of assumed, fixing conditions of a considered workpiece to identify frequency response functions (FRFs) for each tightening torque of the mounting screws. Simulated plots of periodically changing nominal cutting forces are then calculated. Subsequently, by multiplying FRF and spectra of cutting forces, a clamping selection function (CSF) is determined, and, thanks to this function, vibration root mean square (RMS) is calculated resulting in the clamping selection indicator (CSI) that indicates the best clamping of the workpiece. The effectiveness of the method was evidenced by assessing the RMS value of the vibration level observed in the time domain during the real-time face milling process of a large-sized exemplary item. The proposed approach may be useful for seeking the best conditions for fixing the workpiece on the table.