Abstract:
In this study, the effect of four different machining methods consisting of “Trochoidal,” “Follow Part,” “Zig,” and “Zig-Zag” which are common in CAM package programs and used often in the industry has been investigated. Firstly, the 3D model of samples is produced in the CAD program. Models are machined in CNC milling workbench. In order to examine the effect of tool path strategies on tool life, the amount of wear loss as a criterion and the SEM images of tool wear as a supporting criterion are taken into account. According to the results, the “Zig-Zag” tool path strategy is the tool path that causes the highest weight loss in the cutting tool, while the “Trochoidal” tool path strategy causes in the least weight loss in the cutting tool. In addition, the surface roughness of the samples taken from different regions of the model and the operation time of the different tool paths are determined. In this context, the operation time of the test sample is maximum in “Zig” team path strategy, while it is at least in “Follow part” team path strategy. By examining the surface roughness, the best surface roughness values are obtained with the strategy of “Follow Part” and “Trochoidal” tool path, while the worst values are obtained in the “Zig” tool path strategy. As a result of the examination, the optimum tool path strategy for cutting tool life was found to be “Trochoidal” tool path. This work differs from the counterparts as handling the AISI X210Cr12 steel which make the paper first in determining the effect of tool path strategies on machinability. Lastly, obtained findings are useful for the organization of this type of steel in manufacturing chain of industrial companies. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.