Stability and high performance machining conditions in simultaneous milling

Parallel milling offers the advantage of simultaneous machining of a workpiece with two milling tools. Higher material removal rates and machining with fewer fixtures are possible due to the second tool. These advantages make parallel milling an ideal technology for machining of near net shape structures. However, parameter selection is quite challenging due to the dynamic interaction between the tools. In this study, time and frequency domain stability models are developed to aid the process planner. Effects of process parameters are also investigated and high performance machining conditions are identified. The experimental cuts are made to verify the presented methodology. (C) 2013 CIRP.