Statistical Cutting Force Model for Orthogonal Cutting of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Composites

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the cutting forces response during the orthogonal cutting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and PTFE-based composites using the Taguchi method. Cutting experiments were conducted using the L₂₇ orthogonal array and the effects of the cutting parameters (feed rate, cutting speed and rake angle) on the cutting force were analyzed using the S/N ratio response and the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Statistical models that correlate the cutting force with process variables were developed using ANOVA and polynomial regression. The variation of the apparent friction coefficient was analyzed with respect to tool geometry and the cutting process. The results indicated that cutting and thrust forces increase with increasing feed rate, and decrease with increasing rake angles from negative to positive values and increasing cutting speed. A power law relationship between the apparent friction coefficient and the normal force exerted by the chip on the tool-rake face was identified, the former decreasing with an increasing normal force.