Tool-path effect on the geometric deviations in the machining of UNS A92024 aeronautic skins

Traditionally, aeronautics skins are being machined by chemical milling, a high-pollutant process. An efficient alternative to this technology is conventional machining. However, to ensure the parts machined with this process keeps the industrial quality controls, the effect of tool-path might be characterized, specially analyzing final thickness and roughness.In this paper, five different tool-paths have been applied under the same machining parameters in the dry milling of Al-Cu UNS A92024 thin plates. Machining time, final thickness and roughness have been evaluated. Most roughness and thickness results are under the industrial quality limits stablished for this type of parts.