Trochoidal milling can help resolve many challenging CNC machining operations such as:

1. Slotting hardened and exotic materials including Inconel and Titanium
2. Slotting any material where the slot is wider than the tool diameter
3. Milling deep pockets and grooves in confined spaces

This machining method is defined by tool supplier Sandvik Coromant as “…circular milling that includes simultaneous forward movements. The cutter removes repeated slices of material in a sequence of continuous spiral tool paths in its radial direction…”

Advantages of trochoidal milling include improved tool life, reduced cycle time, increased material removal rates and the ability to use multi-fluted tools without the chips becoming welded onto the flutes

The process requires maintaining high speeds, keeping the cutter in continuous movement and maintaining low radial engagement. This method creates a chip thinning effect and reduces the number of axial passes because the tool cuts using the entire cutting flute length. To achieve this the CNC machine must not only have the ability to operate at continuous high speeds, but must also be able to maintain continuous feed rates throughout the small, circular cutting motions.

Gosiger applications specialists note that Okuma’s THINC OSP control has the processing speed necessary to maintain speed and feed rates and properly control acceleration and deceleration.

Watch a real-time video of trochoidal milling on an Okuma Genos CNC machine. To learn more about trochoidal milling and other techniques that can improve your manufacturing productivity, contact Gosiger, Inc.