Study of milling process basics for the biocompatible PEEK material

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material has attracted attentions and studies in the medical field due to its excellent properties suitable for orthopedic, dental, and implant applications. In order to acquire the needed geometrical accuracy and surface finish for individual customizations of components made of PEEK material, milling process basics for PEEK material have been studied in this paper. The influences of milling parameters on milling forces and surface roughness are discussed based on single-factor and orthogonal milling experiments. It shows that the effects of cutting parameters on cutting forces are basically in accordance with that in the classical metal cutting theory. But the effects of cutting parameters on the surface roughness are different. Also the significance sequences of the key milling parameters on milling forces and surface roughness are identified. Furthermore, a finite element simulation model to estimate the milling force is established and successfully evaluated for customized applications.