Preface

Machining dynamics plays an essential role in the performance of machine tools and machining processes, which directly affects the material removal rate, and workpiece surface quality as well as dimensional and form accuracy. However, despite its obvious technical and economic importance and tremendous progress in machining technology during the last few decades, machining dynamics still remains as one of the least understood manufacturing science topics. In industrial practices, machining parameters are still chosen primarily through empirical testing and the experience of machine operators and programmers. This approach is costly, and while databases have been developed from large numbers of empirical tests, these databases lose relevance as new tools, machines and workpiece materials are developed and applied. Furthermore, a better understanding of machining dynamics is becoming increasingly important for engaging in ultraprecision and micro manufacturing because of the machining accuracy, scale and complexity involved. Therefore, it is essential to systematically research the machining dynamics within the material removal and surface generation processes and machine operations with particular respect to the quantitative effects from machine tools, tooling, process variables and workpiece materials.