Influence of feed per tooth on tool wear based on 3D finite element simulation in micro-milling of Inconel 718

Purpose This paper aims to predict tool wear and reveal the relationship between feed per tooth and tool wear in micro-milling Inconel 718 process. Design/methodology/approach To study and solve the tool wear problem in micro-milling of Inconel 718 micro components, in this paper, the investigation of micro-milling Inconel 718 process was implemented based on DEFORM finite element simulation, and tool wear depth of micro-milling cutter acted as output. Findings Different from the traditional macro milling process, diameter reduction percentage and average flank wear length decreased with the increase of feed per tooth; tool wear depth decreased when the feed per tooth was less than the minimum chip thickness. Originality/value At present, research on the prediction of tool wear in micro-milling of Inconel 718 has never been publicly reported. This study is significant to reveal the relationship between cutting parameters (feed per tooth) and tool wear in micro-milling Inconel 718.