Forces in X,Y and Z

[routercnc]

I believe what the graph shows is the total measured force between the tool and the table (Fx, Fy, Fz) when using a sensor between the part and the bed, so includes the all cutting forces resolved into x,y,z:
Feed force - in direction of cut
Feed normal force - 90 degrees from direction of cut
Feed passive force - feed up/down due to helix)
all of which include any moments caused by cutting

They do talk about another sensor which goes into spindle (RCM) and so torque can be measured directly and extracted out separately.

But in terms of machine design I would have thought you want to know the total force Fx, Fy, Fz on the tool and a target stiffness to aim for. Then use FEA, or hand calcs to work out if you meet the required stiffness when applying the force at the tool tip.

For stiffness targets I've seen figures quoted for commercial machines in the region of 10 - 25 N/um (10,000 - 25,000 N/mm). I think one of my DIY machines was between 1000 - 2400 N/mm and was ~OK but I would aim higher for a good machine and I think it is easily possible.

[PotatoMill]

10-25 N/μm seems reasonable, and a good number to aim for. I searched around for CNC N/μm and found a good preview on work-piece precision https://books.google.no/books?id=0zF...%20cnc&f=false .

Seems like the "hardcore" machine centers have a stiffness around;
X axis: 30-62 N/μm
Y axis: 30-40 N/μm
Z axis: 67-95 N/μm
Radial: 25 N/μm (5000rpm), 20 N/μm (25000rpm)
This is for vertical CNC mill setup. So for a router it would be a bitt less.

According to the link above it seems like the tools are the weakest and the least stiff part of the machine. Where they use the usual deflection calculation for a circular cross section and match it to some real measurements. 0.15 N/μm for 6mm tool.