Comparative Analysis of Cutting Forces in CNC Milling of MDF: The Role of Tool Coatings, Cutting Speed, and Feed Per Tooth

This study investigates the influence of various tool coatings, cutting speeds, and feed per tooth values on cutting forces during the CNC milling of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). The coatings tested include reference, TripleSi, Hyperlox, DLC, and lapped coatings. Experiments were conducted using an SCM Morbidelli m100 CNC milling machine under controlled conditions. Cutting speeds were set at 8, 10, and 12 m/s, while feed per tooth values were varied at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mm. Cutting forces were measured using a three-axis piezoelectric dynamometer Kistler, and the data were analyzed to determine the impact of these variables on cutting performance. The results revealed that while cutting speed had a minimal effect on cutting forces, feed per tooth significantly influenced them, with higher values of feed per tooth leading to increased forces. Among the coatings, lapped and TripleSi exhibited the lowest cutting forces, whereas DLC showed the highest. Statistical analysis, including ANOVA and Scheffé tests, confirmed the significant differences between the coatings and highlighted the superior performance of the lapped and TripleSi coatings in reducing cutting forces.