Actuator Placements and Variations in the Control Path Estiamtes in the Active Control of Boring Bar Vibrations

A classical example of chatter prone machining is the boring operation. Turning under conditions with high vibrations in the cutting tool deteriorates the surface finish and may cause tool breakage. Severe noise is also a consequence of the high vibration levels in the boring bar. Active control is one possible solution to the noise and vibration problem in boring operations. In boring operations the boring bar usually have vibration components in both the cutting speed and the cutting depth direction. The introduction of the control force in different angles in between the cutting speed and the cutting depth directions have been investigated. Furthermore, control path estimates produced when the active boring bar was not in contact with the workpiece and during continuous cutting operation are compared. Experimental results indicate that the control force should be introduced in the cutting speed direction. Although the vibrations are controlled in just the cutting speed direction the vibrations in the cutting depth direction are also reduced significantly.