This article analyzes the temperature data obtained for an aluminum alloy face milled using four different cutting strategies. The workpiece temperature was measured at six points with K-type thermocouples. The heat transfer taking place in the cutting zone was also simulated numerically using the finite element method (FEM) and the finite difference method (FDM). The calculation results concerning the distribution of temperature on the workpiece surface were compared with the experimental data. The numerically simulated distribution of temperature on the workpiece surface after face milling was considered in relation to the surface flatness. The findings suggest that the flatness deviations at the workpiece ends were dependent on the depth of cut. Another reason was the cutting strategy selected for the specific thermophysical properties of the workpiece material. Measurement of the workpiece temperature is extremely important because of the thermoelastic behavior and thermal expansion of the material. The isotropic properties of the aluminum alloy make it expand in all directions during milling.
Keywords: FEM; cutting strategy; face milling; heat transfer; temperature distribution.