Background
Chatter is one the most common issues in machining. However, finding the proper resolution, can be difficult to track down. The main disadvantage in troubleshooting chatter, is that the catalyst can be mechanical, tooling, programming, coolant, etc. Below, we will cover some of the more common causes that you can watch out for.
Table of Contents
| Table of Contents | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Check you Tooling for Wear
...
Inspect for Lack of Rigidity
Toolholders
| Anchor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Proper tool holding is a basic, yet, vastly overlooked key to machining. Using proper fitting collets, tool holders, chucks, etc, along with choking up as much as possible on your tool, will give you the most rigid set up as possible. Rigidity in your tooling, gives your tool its best chance at performing to its maximum ability. A common error is ER collets not seating properly. Below is a helpful graphic, that shows the correct alignment of the collet system.
...
...
Work Holding
Workholding Work Holding plays a similar role to toolholding. Holding as much of your workpiece as possible, through whatever means you are using (vises, clamps, chuck, collets), gives you the most possible rigidity. As stated in Solution 2, previously having the most rigidity possible, allows your tool the best chance the perform at peak performance.
...
Z-Axis Gib
Please reference our Mill Gib/AC Bearing Adjustment and Backlash Compensation page for guidance on the adjustment process.
...
If you have chatter in a straight line move in one axis, and chatter is present. Vet out all other factors first. If all else fails, a loose gib in the opposite gib from the direction you are running, could be loose, causing chatter. For example: Straight line tool path in X chatters - check for Y axis gib.
Please reference our Mill Gib/AC Bearing Adjustment and Backlash Compensation page for guidance on the adjustment process.
...