L’objectif de ces travaux de thèse est l’optimisation par une approche expérimentale d’un modèle de micro-fraise hémisphérique en carbure de tungstène revêtu, de diamètre 0,5 mm, destiné à l’usinage des aciers durs. Les données expérimentales obtenues résultent donc de l’usinage d’un acier 40NiCrMo16 à l’état trempé (54 HRC). Les résultats permettent de mettre en évidence certains phénomènes de coupe, d’usure et de comportement dynamique de l’outil liés au procédé, et leur évolution en fonction du type de fraise considéré et des conditions de coupe choisies. La géométrie de l’outil et son comportement dynamique sont ici principalement commentés. Dans un premier temps, l’étude de différentes nuances de carbure, préparation de surface ainsi que l’optimisation des géométries globale et locale des micro-fraises a permis de proposer un modèle optimisé pour notre partenaire outilleur Magafor. Dans un second temps, une approche numérique du micro-fraisage a été utilisée. Un premier modèle de calcul analytique des efforts de coupe a été testé et il a été mis en évidence les limites d’identification des coefficients spécifiques de coupe dans notre cas. Ensuite, une modélisation numérique par éléments finis du micro-fraisage a été réalisée afin d’appréhender l’étude du comportement dynamique des micro-fraises en fonction de la géométrie globale de l’outil développé. / The aim of this PhD work is optimized by experimental approach with 0.5 mm diameter micro-ball-end mills made from micro-grain tungsten carbide and PVD coated for hardened tool steels machining. The experimental data are obtained on machining of hardened steel (54/55HRC), typically used for the production of plastic injection molds. Results permit to highlight some cutting phenomena of wear and dynamic behavior of the process related tool, and changes depending on the type of milling considered and selected cutting conditions. The geometry of the tool and dynamic behavior are primarily discussed here. As a first step, the study of different carbide grades, surface preparation and optimization of global and local geometries of micro-cutters helped provide an efficient model for our partner Magafor toolmaker. In a second step, the modelling of micro-milling is discussed and an analytical model for cutting forces calculation is introduced. It was demonstrated the identifying limits of the specific cutting coefficients in our case. Then, a test of finite element modelling of micro-milling is made in order to estimate the potential of such a method for the study of the dynamic behaviour of micro-mills.

The thesis is focused on the research on micro-milling with the aim to specify the latest findings and trends in milling and micro-milling. The introduction consists of the specification of micro-milling and its comparison with conventional milling. The main goal of the thesis is to interpret modern trends in micro-milling technology, such as machine modernization, advanced machining strategies and the latest CAD/CAM software. The second part deals with the influence of cutting parameters on the overall workpiece quality. The final part is devoted to the application and use of micro-milling technology.

Cutting movement is still one of the main means to obtain the desired machined surface. As the most representative cutting method in subtractive manufacturing, milling is widely used in industrial production. However, the chatter induced by the dynamic interaction between machine tool and process not only reduces the accuracy of the machined workpiece, but also increases the tool wear and affects the rotary accuracy of the spindle. The stability lobe diagram can provide stable machining parameters for the technicians, and it is currently an effective way to avoid chatter. In fact, the dynamic interaction between the machine tool and process is very complicated, which involves the machine tool, milling tool, workpiece and fixture. The induced mechanism of chatter depends on different machining scenarios and is not entirely dependent on the vibration modes of milling tool. Therefore, it is important to obtain stable machining parameters and to know the dynamic surface location error distribution, which can ensure machining quality and improve machining efficiency. In this dissertation, two methods for constructing stability lobe diagram are first introduced, and then two machining scales, macro milling and micro milling, are studied. For the macro-milling scale, the dynamic response of the in-process workpiece with time-varying modal parameters during the material removal process is analyzed. The stability lobe diagrams for thin-walled workpiece and general workpiece with continuous radial immersion milling are established respectively. Besides, the cumulative surface location error distribution is also studied and verified for the general workpiece. For the micro-milling scale, the dynamics at the micro-milling tool point is obtained by means of the receptance coupling substructure analysis method. The stability lobe diagram and surface location error distribution are analyzed under different restricted/free tool overhang lengths. The relationship between measurement results and burrs is further explained by cutting experiments, and the difference between the two milling scales is compared in the end.