Intelligent 3D tool path planning for optimized 3-axis sculptured surface CNC machining through digitized data evaluation and swarm-based evolutionary algorithms

Measurement ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 158 ◽  
pp. 107678 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.A. Fountas ◽  
N.M. Vaxevanidis
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary Algorithms ◽  
Path Planning ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Data Evaluation ◽  
Sculptured Surface ◽  
Tool Path Planning

A Multi-Agent Based Tool Path Planning Method for STEP-NC Compliant Milling

2010 ◽  
Vol 97-101 ◽  
pp. 3382-3386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Du ◽  
Xian Guo Yan ◽  
Zhi Chen
Keyword(s):  
Path Planning ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Data Transfer ◽  
Planning Method ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Distributed Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Tool Path Planning ◽  
Machining Processes ◽  
Nc Program ◽  
Multi Agent

Today a new model of data transfer between CAD/CAM systems and CNC machines, called STEP-NC, is being developed by the ISO technical Committees. It overcomes the shortcomings of ISO 6983 by specifying machining processes rather than machine motion, using the object-oriented concept of working step. Although the STEP-NC contains abundant geometry information of part and associated process parameters, the tool path is general not included in the STEP-NC program. So before the beginning of the STEP-NC-compliant CNC machining, the tool path should be firstly designed. By analyzing the characteristic of STEP-NC data model for milling, a working step-oriented tool path planning method for milling was proposed in this paper, and the distributed artificial intelligence methods, namely collaborative multi-agent was employed to accomplish tool path planning. Firstly a multi-agent architecture was constructed to allow multiple agents to work cooperatively to realize automation of tool path planning, and then, the function of every kind of agent and the communication between the agents were all described in detail. At last, one test component was designed and simulated to demonstrate the capabilities of this research in the paper.

Region based Efficient CNC Machining using Point Cloud Data

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-35
Author(s):  
Mandeep Dhanda ◽  
Aman Kukreja ◽  
Sanjay Pande
Keyword(s):  
Path Planning ◽  
Surface Quality ◽  
Point Cloud ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Real Surface ◽  
Tool Path Planning ◽  
Machining Time ◽  
Cloud Data ◽  
Planning Strategy

Abstract This paper presents an efficient tool path planning strategy for three-axis CNC machining using curvature based segmentation (CBS) of freeform surface from its representation in the form of a point cloud. Curvature parameters estimated over the point data are used to partition the surface into convex, concave, and saddle like regions. Grid based adaptive planar tool path planning strategy is developed to machine each region separately within its boundaries. In addition to the region by region machining, strategy to stitch the obtained regions is also developed to minimize the tool lifts and tool marks. The developed region based tool path planning strategy is compared with the point cloud based adaptive planar strategy, iso-scallop strategy and commercial software for parts with various complexities. The result shows significant improvement in terms of performance parameters viz. machining time, tool path length and code length while maintaining the desired part surface quality. The proposed method is also tested by machining a real surface and analyzing its surface quality.

Efficient NC Tool Path Planning Based on the Subdivision of Sculptured Surface

2014 ◽  
Vol 635-637 ◽  
pp. 497-501
Author(s):  
Li Min ◽  
Biao Bai ◽  
Yu Hou Wu ◽  
De Hong Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Path Planning ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Parametric Method ◽  
Sculptured Surface ◽  
Machining Efficiency ◽  
Tool Path Planning ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Surface Subdivision ◽  
Planning Methods

In this paper, we have presented a method to generate efficient NC tool paths based on the surface subdivision. The main objective is to achieve high efficiency in the machining of sculptured surface. The NC machining efficiency can be improved by segmenting the whole surface into distinct areas according to the characters of sculptured surface and by using different size mills and different tool path planning methods to machine the areas. The iso-parametric method and large mills are used in the curvature changing little areas. While the iso-scallop method and small mills are used in curvatures changing large areas. This can make full use of tool path generation methods and mills, which improve the machining efficiency of sculpture effectively.

A New Tool-Path Generation Algorithm for Sculptured Surface Using Taper-Cutter

2007 ◽  
Vol 10-12 ◽  
pp. 308-311
Author(s):  
Li Cheng Fan ◽  
L.N. Sun ◽  
Zhi Jiang Du
Keyword(s):  
Path Planning ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Tool Path Generation ◽  
Surface Model ◽  
Sculptured Surface ◽  
Path Generation ◽  
Tool Path Planning ◽  
Generation Algorithm ◽  
Mesh Approximation ◽  
Simulation And Experiment

In 3-axis NC machining, most algorithms of the sculptured surface tool-path generation are valid for ball-cutter, and the axes are designed to realize pure translation. A tool-path generation algorithm using taper-cuter is proposed in this article. And one axis of the 3-axis NC tool machine is designed to realize swing motion. The Stereo Lithography (STL) model is the most popular triangular mesh approximation of the 3D surface model. Considering the special swing mechanical and taper-cutter, arc-zigzag tool-path planning and deform Z-map grid methods are proposed, which incorporate triangular vertexes method and the Z-map method. Finally, some simulation and experiment results are provided.

Efficient CNC Machining of Freeform Surfaces From Point Cloud

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandeep Dhanda ◽  
S. S. Pande
Keyword(s):  
Path Planning ◽  
Point Cloud ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Planning System ◽  
Process Conditions ◽  
Cnc Machine ◽  
Tool Path Planning ◽  
Efficient Tool ◽  
Freeform Surfaces

This paper reports the development of an efficient tool path planning strategy for CNC machining of freeform surfaces directly from their representation in the form of point cloud. A grid based adaptive isoplanar tool path planning system has been designed and implemented for 3axis CNC machine using ball end mill. Inverse tool offset algorithm (IOM) is used to compute initial uniform CL (Cutter Location) grid points. From these CL points, surface slope and curvature are estimated and the forward and side step errors likely to be produced during machining are computed. The grid is subsequently refined through segmentation if the error values exceed the user defined tolerances. Adaptive grid refinement is continued iteratively till the error values converge below the prescribed tolerance limits. The grid (CL) points are sequenced to generate the final tool path. The software system developed takes the input part model as point cloud and generates post-processed CNC part program in the ISO format. The CNC part programs were extensively tested for various case studies on the commercial CNC simulator as well on the actual CNC machine. The results were compared with those from the commercial software for the same process conditions. Our system was found to generate more efficient tool paths in terms of enhanced productivity, part quality and reduced memory requirement.

A New Principle of CNC Tool Path Planning for Three-Axis Sculptured Part Machining—A Steepest-Ascending Tool Path

2004 ◽  
Vol 126 (3) ◽  
pp. 515-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zezhong C. Chen ◽  
Geoffrey W. Vickers ◽  
Zuomin Dong
Keyword(s):  
Path Planning ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Tool Path Generation ◽  
Surface Shape ◽  
Sculptured Surface ◽  
Machining Efficiency ◽  
Path Generation ◽  
Tool Path Planning ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Sculptured Parts

Three-axis CNC milling is often used to machine sculptured parts. Due to the complex surface shape of these parts, well-planned tool paths can significantly increase the machining efficiency. In this work a new principle of CNC tool path planning for 3-axis sculptured surface machining is proposed. Generic formula to calculate the steepest tangent direction of a sculptured surface is derived, and the algorithm of the steepest-ascending tool path generation is introduced. A single steepest-ascending tool path has been verified to be more efficient than a single tool path of any other type. The relationship between machining efficiency and three key variables, tool feed direction, cutter shape, and surface shape, is revealed. The newly introduced principle is used in planning tool paths of a sculptured surface to demonstrate the advantages of the steepest-ascending tool paths. This new tool path scheme is further integrated into the more advanced steepest-directed and iso-cusped (SDIC) tool path generation technique. Applications of the new tool path principle and the SDIC tool paths to the machining of sculptured parts are demonstrated.

An Automated and Optimal Tool Path Planning System for the 3-1/2-1/2-Axis CNC Maching of Sculptured Parts

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zezhong C. Chen ◽  
Zuomin Dong ◽  
Geoffrey W. Vickers
Keyword(s):  
Path Planning ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Planning System ◽  
Surface Patch ◽  
Free Form ◽  
Tool Path Planning ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Sculptured Parts ◽  
Machining Scheme

Some sculptured parts with complex free-form surfaces usually require expensive 5-axis CNC machining. In this work, a cost-effective and practical solution to the 5-axis sculptured part machining – 3-1/2-1/2-axis CNC machining scheme – is discussed. An automatic and optimal tool path planning system for 3-1/2-1/2-axis CNC machining is introduced. The system uses fuzzy pattern recognition method and Voronoi diagram to subdivide a complex sculptured surface into an optimal number of uniform surface patches, finds the optimal cutter/part orientation for each surface patch, and plans 3-axis CNC tool paths for them. This type of machining is carried out by rotating the part to the cutter/part orientations discretely and sequentially using a tilt-rotary table attached to the 3-axis CNC machine. Under each orientation, the corresponding surface patch is machined using the 3-axis CNC tool paths. This tool path planning system can automatically generate efficient tool paths for sculptured parts and make the 3-1/2-1/2-axis CNC machining scheme as an applicable alternative of 5-axis CNC machining method.

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