What effect does tool chatter have on the finished product in CNC milling?

Tool chatter refers to the vibration that occurs during the milling process when the cutting tool encounters instability. This instability can result from various factors such as excessive feed rates, improper tool selection, or inadequate machine setup. The presence of tool chatter significantly affects the finished product by introducing cosmetic defects to the surface finish.

These cosmetic defects can manifest as visible marks, irregularities, or a rough texture, which detracts from the aesthetic and functional quality of the part. Additionally, the vibrations associated with chatter can affect critical dimensions, leading to overall dimensional inaccuracies. Therefore, the implication of tool chatter on the final product is negative, making it critical for operators to minimize or eliminate it to achieve high-quality outputs.

In contrast, options that suggest an improvement in surface finish, no impact at all, or enhancement of the part's strength are not consistent with the effects of tool chatter, as they overlook the potential for defects and issues that arise from these vibrations.