Event Details

Optimal and Intelligent Multi-Axis CNC Tool Path Generation for Sculptured Part Machining

Presenter: Mr. Zezhong Chen - Department of Mechanical Engineering
Supervisor:

Date: Thu, June 6, 2002
Time: 14:00:00 - 15:00:00
Place: EOW 430

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT

The main objective of tool path planning for sculptured part finishing is to achieve the required surface-quality and maximum machining efficiency concurrently. These challenging and conflicting tasks demand more research and this work addresses them.

This study mathematically proves that the steepest tangent direction on the surface is the most efficient tool feed direction in 3-axis CNC machining. A new 3-axis tool path planning principle is introduced. An innovative tool path generation approach - integrated steepest-directed and iso-cusped (SDIC) approach - is proposed for 3-axis sculptured part finishing. In this approach, the steepest-directed tool paths form a frame which controls the tool path directions to ensure high efficiency, and the iso-cusped tool paths fill this frame to prevent redundant tool motions and uneven and unnecessarily high surface quality. A hemi-cylindrical part is used to illustrate the SDIC approach and demonstrate its superiority.

To machine the more complex sculptured surfaces usually requiring expensive 5-axis machining, a cost-effective 3-axis machining scheme is discussed. An automated and optimal tool path generation method which facilitates 3-axis machining is introduced. This method automatically divides a complex sculptured surface into an optimal number of surface patches and identifies the optimal cutter/part orientation for each surface patch. The 3-axis 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 optimal 3-axis CNC tool paths. This method uses fuzzy pattern recognition and Voronoi diagram and the advantages of this approach are demonstrated through a benchmark.

This work contributes to the automated and optimal CNC tool path generation for machining complex parts with sculptured surfaces and has potential to considerably improve productivity.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Coffee and Cookies Will be Provided

For Further Information Please Contact: Chevy Chen (472-4137)