A Generic, Geometric Approach to Accurate Machining-Error Predictions for 3-Axis CNC Milling of Sculptured Surface Parts: Part II — Applications and Analysis

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zezhong C. Chen ◽  
Wei Cai
Keyword(s):  
Tool Path ◽  
Geometric Approach ◽  
Sculptured Surface ◽  
Cnc Milling ◽  
Sculptured Surfaces ◽  
Machining Error ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Machining Errors ◽  
Tool Surface ◽  
Cam Software

As sculptured surfaces are widely used in mechanical design, machining sculptured surface parts accurately is highly demanded in industry; however, it is quite challenging to meet their demand. Due to the geometric complexity of these surfaces, the tool-surface geometric mismatch always causes machining errors when the tool cuts along the tool paths. To prevent surface gouging, where the machining error is greater than the part tolerance, state-of-the-art CAM software usually determines cutter contact (CC) points on the tool paths first, and then simulates the machining to check the errors caused by this tool-surface mismatch. If surface gouging occurs, the CC points are adjusted using the CAM software. But this established method is quite time consuming and sometimes ineffective. To overcome these problems, a new system, based on the accurate predictions of machining errors, is proposed in this research paper for the optimization of CC points on the tool paths. First, two established CC point generation methods, the chordal deviation method and the circular arc approximation method, are introduced; and their limitations are addressed. Second, a sensitivity study of the machining errors with respect to the cutting tools is conducted. Then a system implementing the generic, geometric approach to accurate machining-error predictions is proposed to optimize CC points on the tool paths. Finally, this CC point optimization system is applied to two practical parts to demonstrate its advantages over the two established methods. This proposed work provides a profound understanding of the machining errors caused by the tool-surface mismatch and contributes to tool path planning for 3-axis CNC milling of sculptured surface parts.

A Generic, Geometric Approach to Accurate Machining-Error Predictions for 3-Axis CNC Milling of Sculptured Surface Parts: Part I — Modeling and Formulation

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zezhong C. Chen ◽  
Wei Cai
Keyword(s):  
Tool Path ◽  
Cutting Tool ◽  
Geometric Model ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Geometric Approach ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Sculptured Surface ◽  
Machining Error ◽  
Machining Errors ◽  
Tool Surface

In CNC machining, machining errors are usually caused by some of the sources such as cutting tool deflection, cutting tool wear, machine tool vibration, improper coolant/lubrication, and negative thermal effect. To increase product accuracy, much research has been carried out on the prediction of machining errors. However, in milling of sculptured surface parts, due to their curved shapes, the geometries of cutting tools do not match the parts’ surfaces well if the tools cut along the tool paths on the surfaces in a point-to-point way. As a consequence, machining error is inevitable, even if there is no other source of error in ideal machining conditions. To predict machining errors caused by this tool-surface mismatch, several methods have been proposed. Some of them are simple, and some represent the geometry of machined surfaces using cutter-swept surfaces. But none of these methods is accurate and practical. In this research work, a generic, geometric approach to predicting machining errors caused by the tool-surface mismatch is proposed for 3-axis sculptured surface milling. First, a new geometric model of the furrow formed by an APT tool moving between two neighboring cutter contact (CC) points is built. Second, the mathematical formula of cutting circle envelopes is derived. Then an algorithm for calculating machining errors in each tool motion is provided. Finally, this new approach is applied to two practical parts for the accurate machining-error predictions, and these predictions are then compared to the inaccurate predictions made by two established methods to demonstrate the advantages of this approach. This approach can be used in tool path planning for high precision machining of sculptured surface parts.

An Efficient, Accurate Approach to Representing Cutter-Swept Envelopes and Its Applications to Three-Axis Virtual Milling of Sculptured Surfaces

2008 ◽  
Vol 130 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zezhong C. Chen ◽  
Wei Cai
Keyword(s):  
Tool Path ◽  
Basic Mechanism ◽  
Cnc Milling ◽  
Sculptured Surfaces ◽  
Machining Error ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Virtual Machining ◽  
Machining Errors ◽  
Computer Numerically Controlled ◽  
Swept Volume

To address a major technical challenge in simulating geometric models of machined sculptured surfaces in three-axis virtual machining, this paper presents an efficient, accurate approach to representing the 3D envelopes of a cutter sweeping sequentially through cutter locations; these envelopes embody the furrow patches of the machined surfaces. In our research, the basic mechanism of removing stock material in three-axis computer numerically controlled (CNC) milling of sculptured surfaces is investigated, and, consequently, an effective model is proposed to represent the 3D envelopes (or furrow patches). Our main contribution is that a new directrix (or swept profile) of the furrow patches (mathematically, ruled surfaces) is identified as a simple 2D envelope of cutting circles and is formulated with a closed-form equation. Therefore, the 3D cutter-swept envelopes can be represented more accurately and quickly than the existing swept-volume methods. With this innovative approach, a method of accurate prediction of the machining errors along tool paths in three-axis finish machining is provided, which is then applied to the optimization of tool-path discretization in two examples. Their results demonstrate the advantages of our approach and verify that the current machining-error-prediction methods can cause gouging in three-axis sculptured surface milling.

scholarly journals Precision Sculptured Surface CNC Machining Using Cutter Location Data

2016 ◽  
Vol 686 ◽  
pp. 224-233
Author(s):  
Nikolaos A. Fountas ◽  
Nikolaos M. Vaxevanidis ◽  
Constantinos I. Stergiou ◽  
Redha Benhadj-Djilali
Keyword(s):  
Tool Path ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Sculptured Surface ◽  
Sculptured Surfaces ◽  
Rough Machining ◽  
Machining Error ◽  
Location Data ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Cutter Location Data

Industrial parts with sculptured surfaces are typically, manufactured with the use of CNC machining technology and CAM software to generate surface tool paths. To assess tool paths computed for 3-and 5-axis machining, the machining error is evaluated in advance referring to the parameter controlling the linearization of high-order curves, as well as the scallop yielded as a function of radial cutting engagement parameter. The two parameters responsible for the machining error are modeled and corresponding cutter location data for tool paths are utilized to compare actual trajectories with theoretical curves on a sculptured surface assessing thus the deviation when virtual tools are employed to maintain low cost; whilst ensuring high precision cutting. This operation is supported by applying a flexible automation code capable of computing the tool path; extracting its CL data; importing them to the CAD part and finally projecting them onto the part’s surface. For a given tolerance, heights from projected instances are computed for tool paths created by changing the parameters under a cutting strategy, towards the identification of the optimum tool path. To represent a global solution rough machining is also discussed prior to finish machining where the new proposals are mainly applied.

A Data-Driven Machining Error Analysis Method for Finish Machining of Assembly Interfaces of Large-Scale Components

2020 ◽  
Vol 143 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Fan ◽  
Lianyu Zheng ◽  
Wei Ji ◽  
Xun Xu ◽  
Lihui Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Error Analysis ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Cutting Parameters ◽  
Pso Algorithm ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Machining Accuracy ◽  
Machining Error ◽  
Spatial Statistical Analysis ◽  
Machining Errors

Abstract To guarantee the final assembly quality of the large-scale components, the assembly interfaces of large components need to be finish-machined on site. Such assembly interfaces are often in low-stiffness structure and made of difficult-to-cut materials, which makes it hard to fulfill machining tolerance. To solve this issue, a data-driven adaptive machining error analysis and compensation method is proposed based on on-machine measurement. Within this context, an initial definite plane is fitted via an improved robust iterating least-squares plane-fitting method based on the spatial statistical analysis result of machining errors of the key measurement points. Then, the parameters of the definite plane are solved by a simulated annealing-particle swarm optimization (SA-PSO) algorithm to determine the optimal definite plane; it effectively decomposes the machining error into systematic error and process error. To reduce these errors, compensation methods, tool-path adjustment method, and an optimized group of cutting parameters are proposed. The proposed method is validated by a set of cutting tests of an assembly interface of a large-scale aircraft vertical tail. The results indicate that the machining errors are successfully separated, and each type of error has been reduced by the proposed method. A 0.017 mm machining accuracy of the wall-thickness of the assembly interface has been achieved, well fulfilling the requirement of 0.05 mm tolerance.

ROUGH MACHINING FOR MULTI-SCULPTURED SURFACES

1999 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-286
Author(s):  
A. Vafaeesefat ◽  
H.A. EIMaraghy
Keyword(s):  
Cutting Planes ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Tool Path Generation ◽  
Parallel Projection ◽  
Geometric Description ◽  
Sculptured Surfaces ◽  
Rough Machining ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Rough Milling ◽  
Bounding Surfaces

This paper present a method to generate 3-axis NC programs for rough milling processes. A raster digitizing of the solid volume delimitated by sculptured surfaces to be machined is first created. This is accomplished by using the so-called Z-buffer created from a parallel projection of all surfaces. Conventional rendering software can be used to generate the Z-buffer. This volume is transformed into a 3-D mesh composed of “empty”, “full”, and “mixed” blocks. Machining is preformed from top to bottom in a sequence of horizontal cutting planes. At each level of planar machining, spiral routines are used to generate the tool path. The proposed method is valid for generating tool paths for general cavities bounded by arbitrary surfaces. One of the notable advantages of the proposed method is that the tool path generation is independent from the geometric description of bounding surfaces. An example is used to illustrate the approach and its advantages.

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.

An Intelligent Approach to Multiple Cutters of Maximum Sizes for Three-Axis Milling of Sculptured Surface Parts

2008 ◽  
Vol 131 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zezhong C. Chen ◽  
Gang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Tool Path ◽  
Generic Model ◽  
Interference Detection ◽  
Sculptured Surface ◽  
Surface Machining ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Sculptured Surface Machining ◽  
Cutter Selection ◽  
Intelligent Approach ◽  
Local Gouging

Due to their complex geometries, sculptured surface parts should be machined with multiple cutters of optimal sizes for high quality and productivity. Current methods of determining cutter sizes, however, are conservative and inefficient; their repeating process includes subjective cutter selection, intensive tool-path generation, and time-consuming gouging-and-interference detection in simulation. Our research proposes a new intelligent approach to multiple standard cutters of maximum sizes for three-axis sculptured surface machining. An innovative generic model of maximum allowable cutters in three-axis surface milling is built to eliminate any cutter causing local gouging and global interference. After the optimum standard cutters are automatically selected, their accessible regions can be identified, and the corresponding tool-paths can be generated, respectively. This approach is practical and effective in the process planning for three-axis milling of sculptured surface parts.

Proposal of a Tool Path Generation Method to Ensure Workpiece Stiffness for Efficient Rough Machining

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maho Kumanotani ◽  
Hitoshi Kusino ◽  
Keiichi Nakamoto
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Complex Shape ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Machining Parameters ◽  
Rough Machining ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Design Variables ◽  
Hand Tool ◽  
Complex Parts ◽  
Cam Software

Abstract Recently, the demand of complex shape parts has increased in the aircraft and medical industries. In these parts machining, the displacement and vibration of workpiece that strongly affect the machining efficiency are induced due to the heavy change of the unmachined workpiece shape and stiffness during rough machining. However, it is difficult to automatically determine machining parameters of operation planning by using a commercial CAM software because there is a large number of combinations. Therefore, in order to improve the efficiency of complex parts machining, the authors proposed a determination method of workpiece shapes during rough machining based on topology optimization relevant to maximizing static stiffness. On the other hand, tool paths that directly affect the workpiece stiffness are not generated automatically to create the calculated workpiece shapes in the previous study. From these reasons, this study proposes a generation method of tool paths by using design variables obtained through the calculation of topology optimization. The tool paths are simply generated based on design variables and enables to ensure the workpiece stiffness during rough machining because design variables are strongly related to the objective function. By conducting a machining experiment assuming complex parts machining, it is confirmed that the proposed method has a potential to realize efficient rough machining.

Error Compensation for Sculptured Surface Productions by the Application of Control-Surface Strategy Using Predicted Machining Errors

1997 ◽  
Vol 119 (3) ◽  
pp. 402-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ee Meng Lim ◽  
Chia-Hsiang Menq
Keyword(s):  
Error Compensation ◽  
Control Surface ◽  
Surface Generation ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Sculptured Surface ◽  
Generation Model ◽  
Machining Error ◽  
Geometry Model ◽  
Machining Errors ◽  
Developed Surface

In this paper, the principle and effectiveness of the control-surface strategy in machining-error compensation for end milling processes are studied. Using this strategy, two new approaches, namely the direct compensation approach and the sensitivity function approach, are proposed. When compared to existing approaches, there are two major improvements in the proposed approaches. First, machining errors caused by tool deflection are estimated from a developed surface generation model. This eliminates the time and costs required to design and conduct the actual machining experiments and dimensional inspections. Second, the effectiveness of the proposed approaches is improved either by increasing the number of times the strategy is been used or by selecting the appropriate shifted distance based on the estimated machining-error curve. The effectiveness of the proposed error-compensation approaches is verified from simulations and experimental results for a 2D sculptured surface. By using computer aided design tool, this surface generation model can be easily applied to the problems in which the designed surfaces are complex 3D sculptured by considering more complicated chip geometry model. These proposed approaches can also be integrated into an integrated framework for machining path planning in which prediction and compensation of dimensional errors take place in the process development phase rather than in the manufacturing phase of the production cycle.

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.

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