Abstract: A prediction model of axial cutting force during helical milling process was created based on the second order response surface methodology.By using variance analysis and correlation coefficient,the model was verified and the input parameters were proved to be valid.Also,the effects of the cutting parameters on axial cutting force were investigated .The results show that significance of the prediction model is obvious,the fitting degree and prediction accuracy of the model is high.The spindle speed and the pitch both have significant influence on the axial cutting force,the axial cutting force increases with the increase of pitch and tangential feed,while firstly increase and then decrease with the increase of spindle speed.