The cutting parameters and tool geometric parameters can be optimized by predicting cutting force generated in machining 304 stainless steel,which is the basis for improving the machining accuracy of 304 stainless steel,chip control and ensuring the life of tool.A cutting simulation model of 304 stainless steel was established.To improve the accuracy of the model,Johnson-Cook constitutive equation and sticking-sliding friction model were selected.The results show that the cutting force prediction results using the sticking-sliding friction model are more accurate,which shows that the sticking-sliding friction model can describe the tool chip friction characteristics more accurately than the pure shear friction and Coulomb friction models.The cutting forces under different parameters were studied.It is found that the cutting force decreases with the increase of the rake angle and clearance angle of tool and cutting speed,and increases with the increase of the round radius of cutting edge and cutting thickness and width.Cutting width and thickness,rake angle of tool have greater influence on the cutting force.The research results provide a theoretical basis for the improvement of cutting efficiency and the study of cutting mechanism for 304 stainless steel.