A low surface roughness increases operation of machines parts. Edge cutting machining and abrasive processing on metal cutting machines are used in conditions of serial and mass production of the machine parts. Reducing of the surface roughness of metal workpieces is provided by decreasing of feed and increasing of rotational speed of a cutting tool (workpiece). However, this leads to decreasing of processing performance of the part.

Optimization of processing modes of the aluminium workpiece by end mills of high-speed steel and hard alloy was carried out in production and laboratory conditions based on a multifactorial experiment. Groove milling was carried out with the ''ECOCOOL 68 CF3'' lubricating cooling fluid on the ''DMC 635V Ecoline'' milling machine. The each experiment consisted of eight stages in the which following cutting modes were changed: cutting depth – 0.5-3 mm, a milling cutter rotational speed – 2000-10000 rpm and the workpiece feed – 300-1500 m/min. Roughness of the machined surfaces of the aluminium workpieces was studied using by the ''4XB'' Metallographic microscope (at 100 times magnification). Three-dimensional views of the workpiece surface roughness after milling with the high-speed and carbide end mills were obtained. Recommendations on choice of the most optimal cutting modes for finishing and rough milling of the aluminium workpieces were given.

Aims and Scope: