New milling process uses trochoidal machining strategies

Delcam's PowerMILL software for five-axis machining is being used to program a novel machining method for the creation of "fir-tree" profiles in components for turbo machinery without the need for special broaching equipment. The milling process, which is based on the trochoidal machining strategies in the software, has been patented by German company Iruba.

The use of trochoidal strategies results in high material removal rates with low, consistent cutting forces, which help ensure accuracy in the position and shape of the slots with minimal thermal effect on the profile surface. According to the manufacturer, the process cuts the machining time in steel alloys between 30 and 40 percent compared to standard milling processes.