Milling vibration attenuation by eddy current damping

Machining vibrations are harmful to workpiece surface quality and tool life, especially for thin-walled parts. A lightweight damping device is proposed by utilizing eddy current damping, and it can be easily attached onto the workpiece surface by glue. The cylindrical device is mainly composed of a magnet, an aluminum cylindrical conductor, and two springs. An induced repulsive force due to the machining vibration is generated and transmitted to the workpiece and then contributed to the vibration attenuation. Dynamic response evaluation on a cantilever beam by hammer tests demonstrates that the device is able to damp vibration mode and the effect of additive mass on the beam dynamics is investigated by roving the attaching point. Moreover, the device is applied to damp multiple modes and attenuate machining vibration of a thin-walled frame. Machining tests under different configurations of cutting parameters are carried out, and its effectiveness of wide band and adaptability to the varying machining processes are validated.