Exploratory Milling of Muonionalusta Iron Meteorite Using CrN-, AlTiN-, and TiAlN-Coated Solid-Carbide End Mills

Preliminary Cutting-Force Analysis

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an exploratory milling study conducted on Muonionalusta iron meteorite samples at Michigan State University in collaboration with EMUGE-Franken. Three cutter families—Aero 5 (CrN), TiNoxNF (AlTiN), and Topcut (TiAlN)—were evaluated at multiple feed conditions using cutting force signals. The signals show a clear monotonic rise of signal RMS with feed for every tool family, and one condition (the 6-flute cutter at the highest feed) exhibits a force spike 5–10× larger than all other tests, consistent with a tool-failure event observed during the experiment. The dataset provides a systematic basis for comparing tool performance on a compositionally heterogeneous extraterrestrial workpiece and supports ongoing research into advanced manufacturing processes relevant to in-space resource utilization.