Cutting load capacity of end mills with complex geometry

Cutting load capacity of cemented carbide end mills with high length-to-dia meter ratios is determined from critical geometric and loading parameters, including a stress concentration factor (SCF) to account for serrated edges , which is determined by finite element analysis. Tensile strengths are cha racterised using a statistical Weibull analysis from 4-point bend tests of cemented carbide blanks of two different diameters. The approach is used to predict probability of survival for cutters under different loading condit ions. Results are compared to measured failure cutting loads under service conditions as well as to those measured in static three point bend tests.