High-speed machining in excess of 20,000 RPMs is often utilized when machining medical components out of exotic alloys and larger metals like titanium and stainless steel.
At these rates of speed, vibration and chatter can occur as a result of factors such as the balance or concentricity of the tool holder as well as improper seating within the spindle.
When this occurs, material removal rates are dramatically reduced and the expensive carbide tools utilized must be replaced more frequently. In addition, vibration and chatter can lead to poor surface finishes that require secondary bench operations and even damage the workplace.
All this serves to slow down machining cycle time, the measure of the time it takes to complete each part from start to finish.
For an industry in which cycle times are directly related to operational costs and, by extension the bids offered prospective customers, finding new ways to decrease machining time can lead to a significant competitive edge.