This paper presents a new control system for chatter avoidance in milling.
The control system monitors the cutting process using a statistical indicat
or named the R-value which is computed from the cutting force signal. When
chatter is detected, the control system ramps the spindle speed in search o
f a speed at which chatter ceases. The system does not involve time consumi
ng computations and therefore is suitable for on-line implementation. Also,
it does not interrupt the cutting process by halting the feedrate or the s
pindle speed. Simulations showed that the control system has a significant
chatter avoidance potential in the high speed range, and also far partial a
nd full immersion cuts. The system was implemented successfully to avoid ch
atter in slotting and half immersion down milling.