A nonlinear programming model for optimizing cutting regimes in face-milling operations

Optimal selection of cutting regimes in metal cutting industry is of practical significance due to their great effects on product quality and machining economics. It involves a process establishing an optimization model and seeking solutions to the model by suitable methods. This paper addresses multi-pass face-milling operations. A nonlinear mathematical programming model based on minimum production cost is developed to optimize cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and the number of passes for a machining task with a predefined total depth of cut. Various constraints including those for tool life and surface roughness are considered. Optimal values of cutting parameters are found by LINGO software and corresponding cost values are compared with those from the literature.